Woodwork: DIY Native Bee Hive Course

What you'll learn

Learn how to build a native bee hive with our woodwork courses in Sydney!

Bees – both native and introduced – play an important role in our food supply, and for our entire ecosystem to function. Sadly, bee populations are at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, disease and other factors.

In this hands-on DIY Native Bee Hive course, you will be introduced to the many native bee varieties and their importance to our biodiversity, while learning the carpentry skills to build your own beehive for your garden or balcony, using reclaimed materials. (Please note: bees are not included.)

Not only will you come away with some basic carpentry skills, but you’ll also provide a home for native stingless bees in your area. They’ll help your garden to flourish through pollination and increased biodiversity.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this DIY Native Bee Hive course, you should have:

Knowledge of general safety in the workshop
Understanding of second-hand timber
Knowledge of good woodworking practices for external use
Knowledge of native bee varieties and their importance
Understanding of correct marking out and how to work accurately to a plan
Hands-on experience and guidance with drill, driver, jigsaw and handsaw
A beehive you can take home and the knowledge to install it correctly

Course content

What will be covered in this DIY Native Bee Hive course?

Knowledge of general safety in the workshop
Importance of beehives
Properties of timber, its external use and salvaged materials
Introduction to jigsaw, circular saws, drill/drivers
Project outline and assembly
Use of varies woodworking tools and equipment
External finish application
Installation method

Intended audience

Who is this DIY Native Bee Hive course for?

This course is for those with no knowledge or experience with woodwork.

Course materials

Materials provided

All tools and materials are provided, however, students are welcome to bring their own tools - old and new - and learn how to use and maintain them.
Bees are not included

What to bring to class

Please bring the following PPE:

a face mask
safety glasses or googles
earmuffs or earplugs

The Bower has PPE sanitised and available to borrow. Students must sanitise before and after use.

Course venue: Redfern

The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre (Redfern)

107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016 (entry via Turner Street, opposite of 23 Turner Street, from the rear of building)

Entrance to the Bower workshop

The entrance to the Bower workshop is via Turner Street, which is at the rear of 107 Redfern Street and is almost opposite no. 25. You should find there a hand-painted sign "The Bower Woodworks". If you do find the door locked, please do not hesitate to press the doorbell on the left-hand side of the garage door. Please note, the doors for the venue will be open from 5:30 pm. If you have trouble locating the entrance or encounter any emergencies, please contact the workshop manager at 0422 840 471.

Transportation and parking

Public transport would be the easiest way to get to the workshop space. The space is located very close to Redfern Train Station, a local transport hub.

The majority of the parking is 2-hour-timed (including some paid parking on Redfern St) though it clicks over to untimed at 8 pm, a good option if you can find a park there before 6 pm.
The untimed parking is available on Pitt St between Phillip and Wellington St. Turn right from Turner St and head down Pitt St two block, untimed parking is on your right.

Additional information

Please note the following:

Please ensure you will be able to attend all sessions of the course. If you miss one or more sessions, it will become quite difficult to catch up and learn the skills safely.
This is a hand tool course and no power tools are used
Please don't wear your best clothing
Please don't wear any jewellery
If you have long hair, please tie it back
Wear closed-in shoes

Course testimonials

Steve said: Learning something new and having access to a good range of tools that I do not have at home.
Tosca said: So loved this course in the fantastic Bower workshop. It was organised, well planned and a great opportunity to use different tools to create a beautiful bee hive. Our tutor gave us just the right amount of information to spring into action and get the job done.
James said: Good atmosphere. Luke was available to help Class size was small Learning tips/tricks about tools etc.
Jo said: It was really fun & I learnt new things with a friendly tutor & group.
Susan said: Down to earth, no-nonsense approach with lots of support

Course tutors

This course has no current classes. Please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Woodwork: DIY Native Bee Hive Course