10am to 4pm

Skep making workshop

Content

Over the weekend you will get a chance to explore the role of skeps in beekeeping  and look into methods of manufacture; consider other uses for what is actually a charming rustic container; start making a skep using tools that can be borrowed; be provided with sufficient long straw and binding cane to complete a skep; be shown techniques for both starting and finishing a skep and have a leaflet with diagrams to allow the skep to be finished at home.

Fee

This two-day course cost is £90, inclusive of tuition, teas and coffees. The museum café will be open or you can bring your own packed lunch.

Tutor

Derek Slee has kept bees for 20 years having learnt the craft of beekeeping at Sparsholt Agricultural College, and has been making skeps for some 15 years. He is a member of the Petersfield and District Beekeepers Association and regularly demonstrates methods of skepmaking at country fairs and shows. He has provided museums in Hampshire with replicas of ancient skeps and has also explored the use of straw in other artefacts.

Participants

It is advisable to bring a pair of gardening gloves and an old towel or waterproof apron to rest across the knees because the straw will be damp.
All other tools and materials will be provided.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation validated by Bournemouth University. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.