The Organic College has been keeping bees in Dromcollogher for over twenty years and has integrated this activity into many of its courses. This year a full Nationally Certified Award in Beekeeping at Q.Q.I. Level 5 has been developed and is being delivered to students.
This is a practical course which was developed in partnership with the Federation of Irish Beekeeping Associations F.I.B.K.A.
It features hive and frame construction, equipment, uses of bees-wax, starting a colony, swarm control, identification, feeding and care of bees, as well as the extraction of honey the role of bees in pollination and disease control.
The course is timely as there has been a major decline of bee colonies globally and in Ireland over the past ten years. The college is fortunate in having the assistance of Mr. Andy Bourke of Lombardstown, National Beekeeper of the Year in 2011, who is an ongoing visitor and supporter of the Duhallow Beekeeper’s Association.
“The college bees are mainly of the Native Irish heritage, very dark and well adjusted to damp and cold conditions”. This was the observation of Mr. Gerry Ryan of the Irish Beekeepers Association and the Honey House in Dundrum, Co. Tipperary.
Describing the role of Bees as crucial indicators if the health of the environment and as priceless pollinators, honey he said was one of the healthiest foods know to humans for millennia. Beekeeping he urged could be practiced far more widely as a small enterprise to supplement income and increase our independence, our balance with Nature as well as our Nutrition. Outlining the Beekeepers Calendar he noted the peak demands from April to September and the quieter months which he regarded as ideal for learning and attending courses.
The course at the college is delivered by experienced staff members Catherine Caulwell and Jim McNamara. It is oversubscribed for this year but the next cycle of courses starts in September 2014 and already applications are being processed.
Further details contact 063 83604 or for more info go to
www.organiccollege.com