Siting Beehives

[vicky]

With any luck I shall be collecting a hive (minus bees at the mo) shortly. Which makes me wonder where to put it in the garden. I'd like to know how everyone else has positioned their hives - with reference to direction it faces, fencing around, neighbours and anything else relevant!
I've seen some lovely photos of Mrs Dobby's hives but can we have some more photos of everyone else's hives.
Much appreciated!

[Mrs Dobby]

Thats great news Vicky, good luck with getting the hive and then getting some girls to go in it!

We were told to always try and site them with the entrance facing South (South East to South West is also ok), and hopefully this will be out of the prevailing wind. As to actual site, somewhere secluded is best, so they arent bothered by people (and pets) getting too close. As for fencing, tis up to you, we use reed / bamboo type fencing as this acts as a good windbreak and forces the bees to fly above head height (so less problems with them buzzing you as they exit and return to the apiary), but technically you dont need any fencing, most 'out' apiaries dont use fencing, they just site the hives at the edges of fields.

If we can offer any advice, then please feel free to ask away, Im sure the grapevine beekeepers will all be along shortly to add their ideas and piccies for you!