Next date: Saturday 8 July 2023
Learn how to make one of Britain's most ancient beehives, weaving rods of willow into a charming alveary. Course tutor and master skep maker and beekeeper, Chris Park will demonstrate how to work the willow, and guide you through the making. Chris will also show how to mix and apply cloom to your new skep. We will talk about bees and beekeepers, why we like skeps and using them as beehives. Bees for Development staff will also be happy to answer questions about their work and about other woven beehives used around the world.
With the right determination, you will finish weaving your alveary by the end of the course. You are welcome to bring a bucket and take it away full of cloom ready to be applied onto your creation.
The course runs from 9.30am to 4pm at the Yew Tree Inn, Ross-on-Wye.
A delicious and abundant vegetarian lunch is included in the course price, as well as hot drinks and biscuits to get us started. We encourage you to make acquaintance with the friendly staff and fine brews of the Yew Tree Inn and the award-winning Ross on Wye Cider and Perry Company.
All the material to make your willow alveary will be provided on the day.
If you are in need of overnight accommodation we can vouch for the hospitality offered by Hillary at Broome Farm and by Sheila and Guy at Lower Wythall.
You should receive a Booking Confirmation email with further details about the Course within 1-2 working days of placing your booking. Please get in touch with bfdoffice@beesfordevelopment.org if you don't. You may also want to check your spam/junk folder.
Reviews:
"I just had to write and say a huge 'thank you' for the skep making courses this weekend. It was a complete delight. Chris and Janet were so welcoming and Chris such a helpful tutor and so generous with his knowledge. We sang folk songs while we worked and I am thrilled with my completed willow skep which I have just finished daubing now. The food was superb too!" - March 2022