Log Beehives

The Hives

'It is estimated that it would cost UK farmers £1.8 billion a year to pollinate their crops manually if wild bees disappeared.' - The Soil Association

Rewilding Bees

Made from a hollowed out tree trunk raised above the ground, the log hive provides a home for wild honey bees. An alternative to where bees would naturally live in hollows and crevices in trees.

As with a tree, the log has thick walls providing good insulation keeping the hive warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A waterproof and insulated roof keeps the rain out.

Why?

'Bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects that we rely on for our fruit and vegetable crops are declining in numbers due to climate change and habitat loss.' - Reading University Research

The log hive isn't intended as a way of harvesting honey but allows the bees to live in a natural way. Building strong healthy communities without human interference and helping reverse the decline in their population. Taking a bee centred approach.

Locally Made For Local Bees

The hives are constructed in my workshop in South Oxfordshire. Where possible I use locally sourced timber and materials.

Prices

A complete hive consists of:

a hollowed out log
a lid
a removeable bottom
three legs
a roof

Total cost - £530

Delivery and installation (up to 100 miles from Reading) - from £110

Ideally the hive should be installed before summer ready for bees who are swarming and looking for a new home.

Currently 95% of the timber I use is from sustainably managed woods within 15 miles of my workshop.

A Small Price to Pay

About Me

I'm Steve Gibson and welcome to the latest addition to my woodland product business.

I love to make use of local timber in a sustainable way - making with, milling and coppicing local wood. Making log beehives in my workshop in South Oxfordshire makes use of all these skills and interests.

Making a Hive

The logs are from a durable species including sweet chestnut, larch and scots pine.

The hive is raised about 6ft above the ground on three legs made from sweet chestnut.

When the hive is installed a piece of comb from an existing or old hive is attached to the underside of the lid to make the hive more attractive to bees. Other incentives such as propolis are also spread round the entrance holes.