Once the raw oak has been selected, the real work begins. This is the stage where a blank piece of wood starts to become something recognisable - a home for solitary bees that will sit in a garden for years to come.
Shaping is a deliberate process. We work with the natural character of each piece of oak rather than against it, letting the grain guide some of the decisions along the way. One of the most distinctive features we craft into each box is the wavy chamber design - a series of gently curved nesting channels that mimic the natural cavities solitary bees seek out in the wild. Each wave is carefully formed and then smoothed and sanded down by hand until the surface is perfectly even, with no rough edges that could damage delicate wings.
Sanding is a stage we never rush. Layer by layer, the surface transforms from rough-cut timber into something you'd want to run your hand across. A well-finished surface isn't just about aesthetics - it also means the wood is properly prepared to take its final treatment and stand up to the elements.
The finishing stage is where everything comes together. We treat the oak to protect it from moisture and temperature changes through British winters and summers alike, without introducing anything that could harm the bees that will eventually call it home. Natural and safe - that's non-negotiable for us.
One of our favourite details is the clear viewing panel fitted to each box. It lets you watch solitary bees as they nest - sealing cells, laying eggs, and going about their busy lives - without disturbing them at all. It's a small window into a world that most people never get to see up close, and it turns a bee box into something genuinely fascinating for adults and children alike.
By the time a box leaves the workshop, it's been through many pairs of hands and many careful checks. We think that attention shows - and we hope you do too.