[Dreamer@45]

Not sure where to post this so here it is. I received my copy of grow your own yesterday and read an interesting article about building your own budget beehive. I’ve always fancied the idea of keeping a few bees but have been discouraged by the cost of setting up. A top bar beehive ( aka Kenyan beehive.) appears to be the answer and I also like the idea that these hives apparently are more bee friendly than the conventional design. The free plans to make this hive are on biobees.com. I’d really like to hear from anyone on here with personal experience of this hive design or bee keeping in general? Many thanks.

[joyfull]

kevinp is just starting out with bees and will be making himself some topbar hives so maybe you could have a chat him 

[Dreamer@45]

Thanks Joyful!

[ManicMum]

How is the beekeeping going? 

We've just started with chickens, in a rural back garden, and No2 son wants to keep bees - any pointers about how to manage this without too much inter-species hassle?

We have dogs as well.

[Swing Swang]

Been sitting on plans/books for top bar hives/beekeeping for a couple of years now. Would be really interested if other members post their experiences/photos/comments etc from time to time. Thanks. SS

[rachelr]

I have been asking the OH if we can do bees but he is not sure. However, the british bee keeper association can put you in touch with local people who can help you.

Our local bee keepers meet once a month in the pub. I have yet to make it to the meeting but hopefully will be soon

[joyfull]

if you all click on the pets without feathers section then in the search box type bees you will find lots of topics about bees and bee keeping 

[kevinp]

Hi Dreamer As joyful has said I am starting this year keeping bees at the moment I have a new design hive from work which is a top bar hive and will be making a kenyon top bar and a warre hive as well. It might be worth you looking for Phil chandlers book the barefoot beekeeper you can buy the book or a download of it from LULU press or go to his site and get it there The barefoot beekeeper Its a nice easy book to read also if you mention on his forum that you are interested or you are starting out they operate a mentor system which is a great idea to learn of someone who has experience of tbh. I also joined the local but they tend to do a different type of beekeeping and some of them are not keen on natural beekeeping.

Any questions just ask   

[Dreamer@45]

Hi Kevinp

I have the book and a very interesting read it is too! I’ve also found out that the author lives nearby and that he’s doing a talk soon……HOORAY! I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress.

[kevinp]

I have signed up for this weekend course in may Natural beekeeping at Embercombe

the attachment shows our hives Dont think I am allowed to post links  but theres a picture

[elibump]

Aparently Biobees are running a conference sometime soon and you can pay what you think its worth.  I presume the information will be on the biobees website?

Eli xx

[kevinp]

did you manage to listen to Phil last night eli ?

I got to install my first hive on Saturday and mark out the apiary I am having, luckily I am part of a community farm so have been given a little patch for the bees although everyone will gain from them being there





didn't get that post in very straight though and I still need to level the hive, but its getting there.


Anyone know of a cheap source for hedging plants and what would be good to grow as a hedge, need enough for 36 feet as this side is the allotments.

[joyfull]

go for mixed native hedging Kevin, and now is the best time for planting. If you choose bare rooted stock they shouldn't cost too much at all for that distance 

[elibump]

Sorry KevinP I couldnt listen to Phil last night - as we live out in the middle of nowhere we can never guarantee either our electricity or more often our broadband connection so its no use us signing up to something like that.  I do know the Warre system is cheaper with regards to harvesting honey though - dont need all that expensive extraction stuff.

Good luck and do keep posting piccies, please

Eli xx

[Old Speckled Hen]

I got to install my first hive on Saturday and mark out the apiary I am having, luckily I am part of a community farm so have been given a little patch for the bees although everyone will gain from them being there





That's a nice looking hive
Do you think it might be better turned round 180˚ so that you don't walk through the bees' flight path and so that they fly up and over the hedge. No danger of them pinging anybody else in the field.