What is a Master Beekeeper?
To become a Master Beekeeper, one must obtain the BBKA Advanced Theory Certificate and the BBKA Advanced Husbandry Certificate. The former requires passing 7 written modules that cover various aspects of beekeeping and bee biology, demonstrating a deep knowledge of the subject. The latter involves a practical assessment of beekeeping skills and experience. It is a prestigious and challenging accomplishment.
To obtain the Advanced Husbandry qualification, candidates must demonstrate their skills and knowledge in front of a panel of experts. The assessment includes lecturing, handling bees, identifying bee diseases with a microscope, rearing queens, and answering questions in an interview.
Master Beekeepers are a great source of information and happy to give talks to local associations and groups, please use their emails to contact them for a list of talks and costs.
Hampshire Master Beekeepers:
| Christine Coulsting | Southampton Beekeepers’ Association | christinecoulsting@gmail.com |
| James Donaldson | Fleet Beekeepers’ Association | fleetbeeman@gmail.com |
| John Hanks | Romsey & District Beekeepers’ Association |