Supply of Hive Side Education Training (1 Year Pilot)

An aspect of our Healthy Bee Plan includes seeking to pilot hive side training across England and Wales for the purpose of reducing problem pests and diseases affecting the UK bee population.

The pilot will cover the 2025 beekeeping season (April - September). In this context, "hive side training" means the provision of face-to-face and practical training inside bee hives, as opposed to classroom based or online training.

We are planning to appoint a supplier to deliver the pilot training on our behalf. Prior to requesting quotes, we are asking potential suppliers and interested parties to review the draft specification (the document that sets out how the pilot will work) and provide feedback to us.

If you are interested in providing feedback on our draft specification, and help shape our approach to the pilot, please find the attached: (1) draft specification and (2) engagement letter, with a questionnaire overleaf.

Please email your returned questionnaire, questions and other comments to: tom.redfearn@defra.gov.uk