community apiary
Free and Affordable Beekeeping in Norfolk and Suffolk
If you are looking for free beekeeping, cheap beekeeping sessions, or a beginner friendly way to learn about bees in Norfolk or Suffolk, Project Apis CIC is here to help.
We create welcoming community apiaries and run hands on beekeeping sessions for people who want to learn, try something new, spend time outdoors, or get involved in something positive. Our aim is to make beekeeping more accessible by removing the usual barriers of cost, equipment, confidence, and experience.
Whether you want to learn how a hive works, join a volunteering session, attend a workshop, or simply see if beekeeping is for you, we offer a supportive way to get started.
Learn Beekeeping Without the Usual Barriers
Beekeeping can be expensive and hard to access when you are starting out. Equipment costs money, training can be hard to find, and many people do not have the space, time, or confidence to begin on their own.
Project Apis CIC exists to change that.
Our community beekeeping sessions are designed to give people in Norfolk and Suffolk a lower cost, more welcoming route into beekeeping learning and practical experience. We provide the equipment, the guidance, and the space to take part safely.
You do not need to own bees.
You do not need your own suit or tools.
You do not need previous experience.
You just need an interest in learning.
What We Offer
We offer free and low cost access to beekeeping through community apiaries, volunteer sessions, workshops, and beginner friendly learning opportunities.
Depending on the session, you may be able to:
Learn the basics of beekeeping
See inside a live hive with support
Understand how honey bees live and work
Take part in hive inspections
Learn about bee care through the seasons
Help with pollinator planting and apiary upkeep
Try beeswax based activities and seasonal honey related tasks
Build confidence outdoors in a calm and welcoming setting
Some sessions focus more on learning, some on practical beekeeping, and some on wellbeing, volunteering, or community involvement.
Beginner Friendly Beekeeping Sessions
A lot of people search for beginner beekeeping because they are curious but unsure where to start. That is exactly who many of our sessions are for.
Our sessions are suitable for:
Complete beginners
People thinking about keeping bees in future
Volunteers looking for something meaningful and outdoors
Schools and community groups
People interested in nature, biodiversity, and pollinators
Individuals who want a gentle and supported way to try beekeeping
We explain things clearly, take things at a sensible pace, and make sure nobody feels thrown in at the deep end.
Free Community Beekeeping Opportunities
We are committed to keeping community access as affordable as possible, and many of our sessions are free to attend.
Our aim is simple. Beekeeping should not only be for people with land, spare money, and plenty of free time. It should be something more people can experience, learn from, and enjoy.
Where funding or partnerships allow, we provide free opportunities for individuals and groups to take part. We also run projects and sessions that support learning, wellbeing, and community connection through beekeeping.
More Than Just Beekeeping Lessons
People come to our apiaries for different reasons.
Some want to learn practical beekeeping.
Some want to volunteer regularly.
Some want a calm outdoor activity.
Some want to meet people and feel part of something.
Some are looking for workshops for schools, support groups, or community organisations.
That is why Project Apis CIC is about more than just bees. Our community apiaries are places for learning, wellbeing, confidence building, and local connection, as well as hands on bee education.
Where We Work
Project Apis CIC is based in Norfolk and is building and supporting community apiaries across Norfolk and Suffolk.
We currently run and support local projects that give people the chance to access beekeeping in a more practical, inclusive, and affordable way. As we grow, we want more people across the region to be able to find a place where they can learn about bees, join a session, or get involved in a local apiary.
Beekeeping for Schools, Groups, and Communities
We also work with schools, community groups, and partner organisations that want to offer beekeeping learning or bee related sessions to the people they support.
This can include:
Introduction to beekeeping sessions
Bee and pollinator education
Hive visits
Hands on workshops
Creative bee themed activities
Community volunteering opportunities
If you are a school, charity, church, support service, or community group in Norfolk or Suffolk, we would be happy to talk.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in free or affordable beekeeping sessions, beginner learning, volunteering, or community apiary opportunities, get in touch with us.
You can contact Project Apis CIC directly to ask about:
upcoming sessions,
volunteering,
group bookings,
school visits,
workshops,
or starting a conversation about community beekeeping near you.
We welcome people with no experience, and we are always happy to explain what sessions are available and what might suit you best.