Budding bee-keepers can learn more about the hobby in taster courses at Webbs garden centre in Wychbold, home to a buzzing honey business.

Professional bee keeper Chris Broad established eight hives in the Riverside gardens two years ago which provided hundreds of jars of exclusive Webbs’ honey to sell in the Webbs Food Hall.

Chris, who runs Saltway Honey with his wife Susan from Bromsgrove, will answer all the questions a prospective bee-keeper might have from costs, time commitments and suitable hive locations to potential problems. The taster sessions proved very popular when they were run at Webbs last year and spaces sold out very quickly.

The three hour course includes two hours with the Webbs bee hives in the garden with protective bee suits provided. The third hour will be an indoor session outlining the next steps including equipment, local training courses, recommended reading and answering questions.

The Bee-Keeping Taster Course will run on a choice of dates: Sundays – 19 April, 17 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 20 September from 10.30am – 1.30pm. The 3 hour course costs £25 per person.

Chairman Ed Webb said: “There is a growing interest in keeping bees and the sessions were very popular last year. Chris Broad is an expert in the field and will pass on his enthusiasm and love for bee-keeping as well as his knowledge. It will give people a great insight into whether this is a hobby for them.”

Tickets can be purchased from reception at Webbs, Wychbold or at www.webbs.co.uk  from 16th February. Booking in advance is essential.