Preparing your hive for winter

This practical, in-depth course is designed specifically for beekeepers who already manage their own colonies and want to confidently guide their bees through the challenges of winter. Preparing Your Bees for Winter focuses on the critical late-season decisions and interventions that can make the difference between colony survival and loss.

This is a hands-on course, held in one of our production apiaries, where you’ll see real working hives and gain experience in a live beekeeping environment. Participants will observe and take part in demonstrations of essential seasonal tasks, including treating for Varroa mites and feeding bees in preparation for winter.

To ensure a high-quality, personalised learning experience, the course is delivered in small groups, with no more than six participants per beekeeper. This allows plenty of opportunity for questions, discussion, and direct, practical involvement.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to properly assess the strength and health of your hive as temperatures begin to drop, and how to take timely action to ensure your bees are well-positioned for the colder months ahead. We’ll explore best practices for hive preparation, including insulation, ventilation, and optimal hive configuration to maintain a stable winter environment.

A key component of the course is effective Varroa mite management. You’ll gain a clear understanding of monitoring techniques, treatment options, and how to implement a treatment plan that minimizes harm to your bees while maximizing impact on mite populations.

Feeding strategies are also covered in detail. You’ll learn when, what, and how to feed your bees to ensure they have sufficient stores, including the use of sugar syrups, fondant, and other supplemental feeding methods appropriate for autumn and winter conditions.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a structured, confident approach to winter preparation—helping your colonies survive and emerge strong and ready for the spring season.

Please note that cancellations received within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund.