​Top Bar Hives (TBH) are one of the oldest and simplest types of beehive around and are traditionally used in many African and Caribbean countries. They are very practical and easy to use and if properly constructed, provide a habitat more suited to their needs, rather than that offered by many vertical type hives.

This TBH has been thoughtfully constructed with particular attention paid to its insulative properties, a very important feature when considering the welfare of the bees.

The sloping side walls are made up of 25mm British sawn cedar, 20mm cork and a further internal lining of 11mm British sawn cedar. (the rough internal surfaces allow the bees to easily deposit propolis).

The vented gable roof is constructed with 12mm Phenolic Ply and lined with a layer of Therma Wrap insulation. There are 25 solid cedar tops bars with comb guides @ 25mm thick covered with an additional 15mm Wool Wood crown board. There is even further room to add additional wool insulation if needed.

The internal cavity has a volume of approx 60L. Its shape is more representative of a tree cavity enabling the bees task of controlling the internal temperature and humidity somewhat easier. There are 2 follower boards (placed each side of the nest space) to help control the volume as the size of the colony fluctuates.

The 56x22cm observation window is also another useful feature. Made up of 5mm perspex and a well insulated hatch, it allows for external observation without compromising the nest space. Particularly useful for showing children and none beekeepers the inner workings of a hive.

A removable 'eco floor' further enhances the workings of the hive. As well as the insulative properties it provides with 9cm of wood shavings and other organic matter like twigs, it gives a living space for other living creatures such as mites, moulds & fungi that are often found in their natural habitats ie. in the bottom of a tree cavity.

For futher information about managing a TBH and balanced beekeeping in general I highly reccommend the following book by Philip Chandler :