Sas Jacobs and Dave Glossop of Baskerville seen here checking the beehives.
Camera IconSas Jacobs and Dave Glossop of Baskerville seen here checking the beehives. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis        www.communitypix.com.au d443411

Bee lovers: Learn to care for your own hive workshop

Jesse MorgantiThe Advocate

An introduction to beekeeping workshop, run by Sas Jacobs and sponsored by Perth Bee Supplies, is open to anyone who is interested in keeping bees but is not sure how to get started.

The workshop will also allow for hands-on experience before a hive purchase.

Mrs Jacobs and her family live on the farm and have been keeping bees for two years.

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“We started because we have set up an organic farm in the Swan Valley and wanted to improve pollination for our orchard and other crops,” she said.

Earlier this year her eight-year-old son Junior started to get involved in the family hobby.

“He likes to check the hives with us as he’s very interested in nature in all forms and is fascinated by the way the bees work together as a team,” she said.

Perth Bee Supplies owner Robert Hardwick said it was a hobby that paid for itself.

He advised people to check with their local government on beekeeping regulations, as some areas will have different rules.

Mr Hardwick said it costs between $400-$500 to get started, which includes your suit, your smoker, gloves and a hive.

After the initial set-up you only need to check in on your bees once a fortnight during spring and summer.

“You get the benefits of having your own natural honey coming straight from your back yard,” he said.

The workshop will run from 9am to noon, and will cost $55 for equipment hire, notes and a morning tea.

Swan Valley Gourmet Farm is at 1056 Great Northern Highway, Baskerville.

At the end of the course, participants will receive a $20 voucher to use at Perth Bee Supplies.

For more information, contact Sas Jacobs via sas@aip.net.au.