“Makers of the finest quality beehives”

We have justly earned our reputation as makers of the finest quality beehives and frames.  Attention to detail in our joinery work produces beautifully fitting and jointed hives.  We offer a wide range of beehives and we can advise on the best type of hive and configuration to suit your purposes.  

Why Cedar?

We are one of the few makers of cedar hives in the UK.  Some companies tend to use pine which is much cheaper and not as stable.

Cedar is a beautiful wood both to look at and to smell. The natural oils in cedar make it a very stable wood which will not warp when subjected to even the worst of British weather.  All our hives are made from the finest quality Western Red Cedar.

We are an environmentally conscious organisation and many of our policies seek to minimise waste and reduce our impact on the environment.  Significantly we are now able to source an increasingly large majority of our Cedar from supplies which are “Forestry Stewardship Approved”.

Hives can be painted, but left in its natural state, the cedar weathers down with a lovely soft grey patina.  We can supply a bee friendly clear preservative.

The benefits of cedar beehives is an industry-wide recognised fact: This extract from an article by Peter Hewitt for Bee Craft Magazine (July 2003)  

“So what should it (hives) be made of? . . . . .buy the best not the cheapest.  Use cedar.  It resists most insect attacks, is lightweight and is more stable.”

Comprehensive range of beekeeping equipment  

We offer a comprehensive range of quality beekeeping equipment including:

New Products 

Being an experienced beekeeper himself, Bill know what it takes to keep bees well.  He knows from experience what tools really make bee keeping better and easier and what gadgets are just gimmicks.  You won’t find any gimmicks in our catalogue! 

As well as innovating through new products of our own, such as the Traveltop® and heavy duty queen excluders, we’re on the look out in Europe, America, in fact around the world, for the best bee keeping products to offer our customers.  Take a look at our latest selection of New Products.  They may be that bright idea you’ve been looking for!

Catalogue

For your copy of this year’s catalogue 

Call +44 (0)1837 54084 

Or e-mail info@beekeeping.co.uk

Download PDF version NBS Catalogue

Our catalogue may not be the fattest, but we think it’s the best.  Through careful selection we’ve taken the leg work out of choosing the things you really  need to keep bees well.  And of course every thing for honey bottling and selling as well.  

Ordering and Delivery

You are always welcome to drop into our factory shop at Okehampton where we will be happy to help with your order requirements. (8.30-5.30 Monday to Friday, 9.00-4.00 Saturday (March to June), 9.00-1.00 Saturday (August to February).

However, the majority of our customers place their orders over the telephone or by posting the order form supplied in our catalogue.

Orders are normally despatched the day your order is received, using next day delivery to any point within the British Isles.

Payment can be made over the telephone using any of the major credit and debit cards.  Alternatively you can complete the order form included in the catalogue and send your cheque with order.

Free Delivery

We also offer free next day delivery for most orders over £150.00

Conditions of Sale

For a full copy of our conditions of sale please refer to the inside back cover of our catalogue which is available free of charge from National Bee Supplies.

How to Find Us

For map and directions to our offices: map and directions

National Bee Supplies