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Warkworth Beekeepers Society has recommenced regular field days for anyone interested in bees and beekeeping.
Newcomers are invited to don a bee suit, open a hive and get close to the bees at the society’s apiary on a private property off Kaipara Flats Road.
The society’s apiary officer Wilf Berger will guide participants through basic handling of the bees and distinguishing between drones and worker bees, and identifying pollen and nectar. He says those unfamiliar with beekeeping often tend to stand well back at first, but fear quickly turns to enthusiasm once participants get their confidence.
“It’s a hobby that catches hold of you,” he says.
Wilf says it does not take especially long to learn the basics – something that might be achieved after attending around half a dozen society meetings.
The novice should then be ready to establish his or her first hive.
In addition to the beehive, the beginner will also need to secure a protective bee suit, a smoker and some basic tools. All this should cost around $1300.
Beginners often start by scraping honey off the honeycomb, running it through a sieve and into a bucket, but a more professional extractor might cost an additional $400.
The next field day is on November 4 at 9.30am.
Info: Grass Esposti 021 0264 9674 or grass.esposti@gmail.com
