Go on a course: beekeeping

'Tutor Simon Cousins, who harvests a tonne of honey each year from his own hives, set a lively, informative tone from the outset.

'We began with a game, attempting to identify bizarre-looking pieces of
equipment, from a bee hospital to a queen egg box. A brief history of beekeeping followed - it dates back to the ancient Egyptians - as well as a look at the threats facing beekeepers today, such as pests and diseases.

'After lunch in the mill's kitchen, we examined the hives in the field outside and observed the workers flying in and out. Back in the classroom, we learnt about the structure of a modern hive and were given some fascinating insights into the all-important act of collecting our own heavenly honey.'

● The next one-day Beekeeping for Beginners course (£70 including refreshments and lunch) at Assington Mill, Assington, Suffolk (01787
229955; www.assingtonmill.com) is on 25 October 2009

 Click here for the full Country Living course directory 

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