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Sun Hive Workshop

Where:
The Bee Classroom
Hammerwood Road
Ashurstwood, West Sussex RH19 3RX
Map
When:
  • Friday, 18 October 2013 - 5:00pm to Sunday, 20 October 2013 - 5:00pm
  • Friday, 15 November 2013 - 5:00pm to Sunday, 17 November 2013 - 5:00pm

The Sun Hive (Weissenseifener Haengekorb) forms the core of the Natural Beekeeping Trust's commitment to bee guardianship.

Based on an ingenious combination of skep baskets made of rye straw and wooden support structures, the hive is intended to be installed at a height of at least 2.5 metres (8 feet). The shape of the hive harmonises with the movement gesture of the bee colony and enables the bees to design their brood nests according to their own innate criteria. The hive was designed by German sculptor Guenther Mancke, and represents the fruits of many years of research into the nature of the honeybee colony.

Sun Hive-making workshops are open to experienced beekeepers; beginners by arrangement.

The workshop will take place over two and a half days and will involve weaving the straw skep baskets which are built to precise measurements. 

The workshop is organised jointly between the Natural Beekeeping Trust and Tablehurst Farm and takes place at the Trust's classroom in Ashurstwood, West Sussex.

The price includes tuition, pre-made wooden hoop frames, support structures, copy of Sun Hive book and organic lunch and refreshments on Saturday and Sunday (Bring and Share supper on Friday).

A course booking will only be confirmed upon receipt of payment in full. A course booking taken without payment will be treated as unconfirmed and the Natural Beekeeping Trust may accept another confirmed booking in its place.

View images from previous workshops on our Facebook page

Read more about the Sun Hive - A Biodynamic Initiative

Find out more about Tablehurst Farm

Course Price: £285.00
Price for Friends of the Trust: £285.00 Become a Friend
The price includes: Pre-made wooden hoop frames and support structures; Sun Hive book; organic lunch and refreshments on Saturday and Sunday; Bring and Share supper on Friday - please bring a contribution.
Email Bookings: heidi@naturalbeekeepingtrust.org
Phone Bookings: 01342 822101
Please note that places are limited and booking is essential.

Event Map

Our Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your booking on a course we will do our utmost to fill your place if there is someone on the waiting list. In this case you will receive a full refund, minus 10% for our administration costs. If the booking is cancelled more than 2 weeks from the start of the course, you will likewise receive a full refund, minus 10% for our administration costs. We regret that no refunds can be made if the booking is cancelled within two weeks and no-one can be found to fill your place.