Courses
Come and learn the secrets of successful bee keeping with us. Our bee school holds bee experience days and classes in a forest setting with a thriving garden apiary.
Find a love for bees!
From May to September, you can join an introduction to bee keeping at Lakeside Bee School
We make learning about bees fun and our approach is informal, offering something for everyone!
Having spent 25 years in the Army, many of which in a qualified teaching capacity, you'll find Marcus an engaging and practical teacher. He has created a bespoke introduction to bee keeping course that takes you from being a complete beginner.
Join our introduction to bee keeping course
Our bee school aims to give you a thoroughly immersive introduction to life as a bee keeper in a relaxing, beautiful setting. What better place to enjoy a bee keeping experience in Hampshire?
We'll take you through the different types of bee and the important role they play in our eco system, the basics of bee keeping and the tools you'll need to start your new hobby.
You'll enjoy a light afternoon lunch before putting on a bee suit and heading to the apiary to inspect some hives and try bee keeping life for yourself. Of course we'll send you off home with a jar of our Lakeside Garden Honey.
We keep our bee school class sizes small to ensure you take the most out of your experience with us.
Get up close with the bees on our introductory course. Bee suits will be provided, but we ask that you bring your own wellington or hiking boots. It is best to avoid wearing overly strong perfumes or scents.
At the time of booking we will confirm details including your height and any dietary requirements.
Visit your rehomed bees following an extraction
If you've had an extraction from us, we'll invite you to come and see your very own bees rehomed. We want to show you how committed we are to preserving bee populations, so you'll be welcome to come and see your colony in its new setting for yourself.
Supporting you with your new hobby
Once you've attended a bee school course and decided that bee keeping is for you, Marcus will be there to support the early stages of starting your new hobby; he'll guide you through the essentials as you set up your first hive.
To register your interest in our courses, please fill out the form below.
Meet Marcus... Bee Keeper & Boss
Marcus takes care of our Lakeside bees, is in charge of all rehoming and is the person you will talk to when you make an enquiry.
Having spent 25 years in the Army, more latterly as a qualified teacher, his retirement has allowed him to turn his hobby and passion into his new profession.
Marcus's country garden now supports bee keeping, and in turn preserve bee populations as a real force for good. The discipline from his many years of service is evidenced in his work extracting bees, which is carefully planned and executed.
As well as being the Member Secretary of the New Forest & District Bee Keeping Association, Marcus is also a Trustee of the Hampshire Beekeepers Association.
Useful links
UKBR
Lakeside Bee Services is a member of the UKBR (UK Bee Removers) which sets the standard for bee removal work and methods across the UK. We are proud to support this dedicated group of professionals working hard to keep bee populations safe.
#fortheloveofallbees
BBKA
There are over 270 bee keeping area associations and branches who serve their local community with support and education. The majority offer beekeeping experiences and training courses, support local events and sell honey. If you are interested in joining your local association please click through to the BBKA website.
NF&DBKA
The New Forest & District Beekeepers’ Association represents the interests of beekeepers and beekeeping in the the New Forest and surrounding area. As one of the largest associations in England, the group is affiliated to the Hampshire Beekeepers' Association and the British Beekeepers' Association. To find out more about this New Forest based association please visit their website. As Member Secretary, Marcus is happy to talk to you about the work of this association and the benefits of becoming a member.
New Forest Marque
Awarded to produce which has been grown, reared, caught, brewed, produced or processed within the New Forest, Lakeside Garden Honey and wax products carry the distinctive New Forest Marque logo - the true sign of local produce.
#keepitlocal
Stay in The New Forest
We highly recommend our friends at The Manor at Sway, so if you're booking a bee experience day with us and travelling from further afield consider this lovely hotel, located in the heart of the New Forest.
Register your interest
To register your interest in our courses, please complete the form with your details, or contact us using the details below.
Lakeside Bee Services
Lakeside
West Common
Langley
Hampshire
SO45 1XJ
Tel: 01590 479 669
Mob: 07973 442 069
