Woodwork: DIY Native Bee Hive Course

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

Course venue

This course is offered at Redfern and Summer Hill Campuses.   

The venue details will be provided upon enrolment; please ensure you select your preferred location when enrolling. 

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