Episode 16
The Apprentice And The BeeOur First Red Mason Bee Begins to Nest!
This captivating film clip provides a rare glimpse into the natural world of a female Red Mason bee (Osmia bicornis) who has recently started nesting in one of our hotels. Her nest comprises of a linear row of individual chambers, meticulously constructed and divided with wet mud. She fills each chamber with pollen and nectar, […]
Episode 15
The Apprentice And The BeeBasking and Patrolling in the Morning Sun
Springtime is a rewarding time to observe the intricate behaviours of solitary bees. Watch as these newly hatched Red Mason bees bask in the sun to warm up. Males are also repeatedly patrolling and investigating emergence holes from nests for potential mates.
Episode 14: The Apprentice and The Bee1st Year Apprentices – Timber Framed Construction:
This month, our 1st Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are at the final stages of demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of Timber Framed Walling and Internal Partitioning Systems. By setting out, constructing and erecting these systems, they will have the ability to apply many skills learnt at college, such as: – Understanding the function of […]
Episode 13: The Apprentice and The Bee Getting Ready To Fly!
After recently hatching from their cocoons in our hotel’s drawer, our Red Mason bees crawled down to our nesting flutes for insulation until the air temperature rises. Solitary bees are more sensitive to weather than honeybees and bumblebees, often appearing only when the air temperature exceeds 15°C. Watch as our bees eagerly queue up as […]
Episode 12
The Apprentice And The BeeRevving Up with New Wheels – Plumbing Department’s New Van!
Last week, our Plumbing Department received a shiny new van. Our apprentices wasted no time giving it the perfect finishing touches before it hits the road! Watch as our apprentices put their skills to work, ensuring the van is ready for deployment across the country. Stay tuned to see where our new wheels will take […]
Episode 11
The Apprentice & The BeeThe Buzzing Beginnings – Red Mason Bees Emerge!
As temperatures start to rise above 10°C, our Red Mason bees have begun emerging from their cocoons within our bee hotel’s hatchery drawer! Witness the magical moment as these newly hatched bees acclimatise to this crucial stage of their development. Our bee hotel provides insulation from nighttime temperature drops, ensuring our bees develop safely in […]
Episode 10
The Apprentice & The BeeBuilding Bee Hotels – Inserting Nesting Cassette
Fourply’s Bee Hotels, are a combination of skill and practicality. Using the finest materials, each hotel is individually created in our workshop by a single apprentice. Watch as a finished nesting cassette is inserted into our hotel, ready for Spring. This process signifies that each component is meticulously fitted as we’ve set-out to do on […]
Episode 9
The Apprentice And The Bee1st Year Apprentices – Timber Framed Construction
This month, whilst at college our 1st Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are studying Timber Framed Construction & Internal Partitioning Systems. By referring to previously created drawings, our apprentices start to set-out and construct Ground and Upper Floors of their kit within the workshop.
Episode 8
The Apprentice And The BeeCocoon Transfer
As our Apprentices’ 1st year at college draws to an end, our Bees prepare for the start of their approaching flight season. Watch as we remove our Red Mason bee cocoons where they have been over-wintering, within a wood shed. Over 60 cocoons are transferred into our hatchery and release drawer where they will rest […]
Episode 7
The Apprentice And The Bee1st Year Timber Framed Construction
This month, whilst at college our 1st Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are studying Timber Framed Construction & Internal Partitioning Systems. By creating initial drawings, our apprentices learn to appreciate scale and setting-out skills prior to applying their practical skills within the workshop. This module marks the final leg of their 1st year at college […]
