SCHOOL AND YOUTH
GROUP VISITS
In a world where technology rules, we find our ‘day at the apiary’ experience to be exceptionally valuable for teenagers.
Coming to Deans Barn is a chance for young people to detach from their phones, surround themselves with nature, and learn about the importance of protecting essential pollinators and their environment. It is a place to unwind, relax and embrace the present moment.
We welcome school and youth groups (although everyone must be over 12 years old to take part).
Groups will have the opportunity to meet our colonies (while wearing protective suits), learn about their fascinating world from our beekeepers, and reconnect with nature in our beautiful setting.
MORE INFORMATION
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All you need to bring is a packed lunch and snacks, tall Wellington boots, and a reusable bottle for water. We will provide bee suits, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Yes, we have disabled access. Please let us know on booking if there is anything we can do to support you.
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You can drive to Deans Barn, we have plenty of parking.
Our nearest train stations are Lewes and Seaford. Cuckmere buses run services from both towns to our village, Alfriston. Uber is also available from Lewes.
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It is very much a “slow and steady wins the race” process when working with bees. However, our beekeepers are all very experienced, and will guide you through how to safely handle bees.
We have comprehensive insurance in place, and we will ask you to complete and return a disclaimer before the experience.
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Occasionally, we may need to cancel an experience because of bad weather. If we decide we can’t go ahead with the experience because of poor weather, we will offer you the choice of rebooking or a refund.
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Yes! We’ll have honey available to buy, plus our Deans Barn Fire Water, Deans Barn Hot Honey Glaze, and Deans Barn Hot Honey Dressing.
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A day at the apiary is available from May to September.
We sell our products all year round at the Lewes Friday Food Market and from Deans Barn itself.
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British Beekeepers Association (BBKA)
https://www.bbka.org.ukEastbourne Beekeepers Association (EBKA)
https://www.beekeeper.org.ukBeesabroad
https://www.beesabroad.org.ukHoneyguild
https://honeyguild.co.uk/Abelo
https://www.abelo.co.ukTechtron
https://www.techtrongroup.co.uk
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We’ll work with you to design an experience suitable for your group. Our experiences typically last from 10am to 3.30pm, but we can do shorter sessions, and at different times. Our beekeepers will be able to guide your group through:
The different species of bees we have at Deans Barn
Interesting facts about bees, beekeeping and their huge impact on our environment
Watch a demonstration of how we make our foundation frames for our hives
Honey tasting
How you can make your garden more inviting to pollinators
Home made tea made from Deans Barn produce
Groups will have a chance to put on a beekeeping suit (provided by us) and glimpse inside our hives too.
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Please get in touch with us to chat through what your group needs, and costs. We offer substantial discounts on our regular prices for school and youth groups.
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Please fill in our enquiry form with your details, details of your group and preferred dates. We’ll get back to you to chat through what we can offer and arrange your visit. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Please book a date using our online form. We don’t offer the experience every day, so we will not be able to accommodate walk-in visitors.
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Packed lunches to be brought with you. Fresh, homemade tea made from produce from the garden will be provided.
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Yes there are toilet facilities available.
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Participants need to be 12 years old or more.
MEET OUR TEAM
Find out more about the experts who care for our bees and lead our experiences for school and youth groups.
WHERE TO BUY OUR HONEY
Find out where our honey is available or buy online.
