Joomla 1.5 Template By Youjoomla.com

The British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) has reported a 25% jump in membership to 15,000 in 2009, interest in bees is buzzing. High-profile campaigns and the backing of celebrity enthusiasts - like Scarlett Johansson - have helped plant the issue firmly into the heart of the nation. The actress developed an interest after Samuel L. Jackson presented a hive as a wedding present. Other famous keepers include BBC Newsreader Bill Turnbull, the comedian Ronnie Corbett and actor Nicholas Lyndhurst who keeps bees at his home in West Sussex.

So the buzz words these days are Apiarist or honey farmer, or beekeepers to you and me. With honeybee numbers in decline and falling at near catastrophic levels - 30% at the last count - interest in their plight has never been greater, raising issues on environment and climate change.

So much local interest in the subject has been generated that ACRES now offer accredited beekeeping courses. So if you just want start out with a small hive or become a fully fledged honey farmer and make a real difference to the environment why not take the first step and contact ACRES on 01825 761820.

ACRES is the Adult College for Rural East Sussex and offer adult and community learning through a wide range of daytime and evening courses. For further information or to request a brochure call 01825 761820 or visit our website www.acreslearning.org.uk