A CHARITY is advising residents in Ellesmere Port and Neston residents to give a unique gift this Christmas – a place on a beekeeping course.

Wirral Beekeepers Association will be hosting a Wirral Beekeepers Beginners course early next year, and the charity says gift cards are available for this course.

Those taking part will learn new skills and make new friends within the beekeeping community, whilst learning the management skills required to look after these fascinating insects, who are a vitally important part of this planet’s eco system.

The free pollination service they provide also fills a lot of the shelves in local supermarkets.

The Theory Course, to be held at Christ Church hall, Barnston, near Heswall, will be on Saturday mornings from 10am-noon, with the first session on January 18.

The full course, theory and practical, is constructed around the BBKA guide to beekeeping (£18.99), which is provided free to students paying the full course fee of £90.

For students who already have some beekeeping experience, or who may be taking their basic assessment this year, the practical course is available separately at £50.

Subsequent sessions will take place on February 8, 15, 29 and March 21.

As inspecting a beehive is weather and temperature dependent, dates and times for the five practical sessions will be arranged accordingly during April, May and June.

Bees, tools and equipment and bee suits can be purchased through the branch.

For further details, please contact Nigel Brierley on 07547 200622, or email pnigelgbrierley@gmail.com

Alternatively, email Marshall Pugh, master beekeeper, at marshallpugh@hotmail.com.