"The way humanity manages or mismanages its nature based assets, including pollinators, will in part define our collective future in the 21st century," said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General. It is now an established fact the world over that the very existence of the honeybee is now under threat. It is also an established fact that more people are becoming better informed and aware of how they can help to overcome this situation. There are several ways to learn about bees and beekeeping. Read a book, surf the internet, buy a DVD. By far the best way to start is to simply contact Cirencester and District Beekeepers, you'd be made to feel very welcome. Here you'll meet a group of people who are passionate about bees and beekeeping, people who impart their knowledge generously and collectively offer the most complete beekeeping education you could possibly wish for. You'll get hands on experience at their extensive apiary, you'll be able to learn from a series of lectures given by some of the most influential beekeepers in the region, all appropriately situated in the grounds of the Rural Skills Centre, just outside Cirencester. What's more, you'll be able to come on a 'Bee Safari' and take a closer look at other local Beekeepers at work. Meanwhile the bees, every single one of them, are desperately waiting for you to begin your journey to becoming a local beekeeper. We have a course starting at the end of January which is aimed at novices but is suitable for more experienced beekeepers too.  For more information ring Liz on 07889038987 or contact the Secretary at sec@cirencesterbeekeepers.org.uk. We'd love to hear from you, so would the bees.