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Willow Bee Skeps

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£125.00

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Product description

Product description

This hands-on course will guide you through the age-old craft of creating a woven hive using willow. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques, understand the history of skeps, and leave with a functional and beautifully crafted skep to take home. a stunning addition to a garden border for bumble bees to chill out in in the shade in summer.

Traditional bee skeps, were used to keep bees in, before the beehive was invented. A few beekeepers still keep bees in skeps today, although these days, they are mostly used for collecting swarms of bees and for decoration in the home or garden.

A ‘skep’ is a basket. Consider the second syllable of the word ‘basket’ – a ‘bee-skep’ is a basket for bees. Willow skeps also known as an ‘alveary’ – possibly the preferred way of crafting bee-skeps before the Anglo-Saxon era.

Skep beekeeping waned in the UK after WW1, when a government restocking scheme only gave a subsidy for bees in boxes, not skeps. Skep still continued to be made for swarm collection – walls got thinner, capacity and shapes changed and continue to change to this day.

Skep making is a red status heritage craft, and we are dedicated to helping keep this important skill alive

Why join?

  • learn a sustainable and eco-friendly skill
  • connect with like-minded individuals
  • take the first step towards your beekeeping journey or simply enjoy a unique, creative experience

Spaces are limited, so book your spot today and create something truly special!

Please note:

  • this course is physically demanding and you need a good degree of manual dexterity/the ability bend periods of time whilst working

What do I need to bring?

Glasses (if you need them for close-up work).
Notebook and pen if you wish to make notes, Old clothes, covered, flat shoes (no sandals or open toes), something to tie hair back with (if needed)

All materials included. Suitable for all weaving levels, great for beginners 18+. 
Should you have any specific needs please make us aware before attending the course.

Course leader: Lukas Andruskevicius
Level: Beginners/All
Lunch provided: Yes
Tea, coffee, soup and cake will be provided (GF, DF and VG friendly).
Course start and end: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Parking: On-site
Bathroom facilities: Includes disabled toilets

 

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