This book provides help and information for all beekeepers. For BKA officials, demonstrators and apiary managers there is guidance to set up a facility if none exists, with suggestions for improving apiaries already in existence. The ordinary beekeeper who is keen to learn has an indication of what they should seek to gain from their local teaching apiary. There is much discussed in this publication, with the emphasis on teaching practical beekeeping and putting into practice the theory that can be taught away from the bees, so beekeeping standards are improved for everyone. All teaching apiaries have their own character depending on their situations, such as how they are set up and who owns the apiary site. There is discussion on some of these issues and the challenges that are often faced.
The author, Roger Patterson, has had well over half a century’s involvement with the teaching apiary at the Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association (WGBKA) in West Sussex, UK, where he has done the full circle of learning, teaching and managing. As a well-known and well-travelled speaker, educator and demonstrator, Roger has visited and demonstrated at many teaching apiaries throughout the country. With this wealth of experience, there is probably nobody better placed to write a book summing up some of the issues and opportunities surrounding this valuable resource.
