Episode 54 The Appprentice And The Bee Hotels Ready for Delivery
Over the winter months, our Apprentices have been hard at work constructing our latest batch of Bee Hotels, now ready for delivery! Handcrafted with care, these hotels not only showcase our Apprentices’ growing technical skills but also serve as powerful educational tools. They symbolise the vital role both Apprentices and Bees play in development and […]
Episode 53 The Appprentice And The Bee Crafting a Legacy – 4-Panelled Door Construction
In their 1st Year of Carpentry & Joinery studies, our Apprentices take on the challenge of creating a traditional 4-panelled door entirely by hand. From drafting their own drawings to producing a detailed cutting list, this project sharpens their understanding of joinery terminology, techniques, and practices – essential skills for a future in the trade. […]
Episode 52 The Appprentice And The Bee The Puzzle of a Bee’s Flight
Awareness is the foundation of success, whether in the journey of our apprentices or the flight of our bees. Attached is an interesting excerpt from Cassell’s Book of Knowledge (from 1933) entitled ‘The Puzzle of a Bee’s Flight’. “Perhaps you have noticed the extraordinary skill of many insects in whirling and darting and swooping through […]
Episode 51 The Appprentice And The Bee Celebrating our 25th Year of Building & Growth!
This month marks the start of our 25th year in business! Over the years, we’ve built more than just structures – we’ve built lasting partnerships, nurtured talent, and laid strong foundations for the future. This handcrafted bee hotel, built by our Apprentices, represents Fourply as a business, while our solitary bees symbolise the people who […]
Episode 50The Appprentice And The BeePitched Roof Construction – Teamwork & Foresight
Our 2nd Year Apprentices are taking their Pitched Roof Construction project to the next stage, focusing on sheeting their roof and completing key finishing details like soffits in preparation for fascia boards. At this stage, teamwork and foresight become crucial. Apprentices must carefully consider the trades that will follow their carpentry work, such as leadwork, […]
Episode 49The Appprentice And The BeeOverwintering – Storing Cocoons
After being carefully cleaned and dried, our Red Mason Bee cocoons are ready for safe storage to ensure their survival through winter. In this video, you’ll see 223 cocoons placed in a sealed, recycled plastic container with a few ventilation holes punched in for airflow. To maintain the right level of humidity, we’ll include a […]
Episode 48The Appprentice And The BeeCrafting the Flat Roof Dormer
In this stage of their journey, our 2nd Year Apprentices are tackling the intricate components of a flat roof dormer within their traditional pitched roof project – a challenging yet rewarding milestone in their 4-year Carpentry & Joinery coursework. One key feature they’re mastering is the construction of ‘firring pieces’—tapered timber strips designed to create […]
Episode 47The Appprentice And The BeeOverwintering – Washing Cocoons
To give our Red Mason bees the best chance of thriving come spring, it’s essential to protect them from parasites, fungal infections, and disease. After carefully sorting, we begin by giving our waterproof cocoons a gentle bath in cool water with a small amount of bleach. This step helps eliminate any harmful fungal spores or […]
Episode 46The Appprentice And The Bee2nd Year Apprentices – Traditional Pitched Roof with a Flat Roof Dormer
In their journey to mastering joinery, our Apprentices continue to develop skills that mirror the meticulous processes of our solitary bees – building with precision and purpose for sustainable growth and succession. This stage of their training focuses on constructing a traditional pitched roof with a flat roof dormer, a task that sharpens their understanding […]
Episode 45The Appprentice And The BeeOverwintering – Separated Cocoons & Masonry
Annual maintenance is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive bee hotel. Cleaning it out each year not only safeguards the bees but also ensures the space is ready to welcome the next generation—much like how regular evaluations and care keep a business thriving. Without this upkeep, a bee hotel can quickly become a haven […]
