🐝 WBC 1½ Brood Hive – Beginner-Optimised Traditional Design

Our WBC 1½ Brood Hive combines the classic, double-walled “storybook” appearance with practical modifications designed specifically for beginner beekeepers.

All hive boxes are handmade exclusively in our own workshop using British Western Red Cedar. The outer lifts are manufactured from quality pine, creating the traditional insulated WBC structure while keeping the hive manageable to work.

This is not just a decorative hive — it is built to be used.

🌿 Built for Beginners – Thoughtful Modifications

Unlike many traditional WBC hives, ours are configured to make management easier during your first seasons:

• Extra Lift for Feeding Space – allows safe syrup feeding or fondant without improvising equipment.
• Varroa Floor with Monitoring Board – supports modern mite management.
• Plastic Frame Spacers – ensures correct spacing and reduces frame misalignment.
• Solid Wooden Queen Excluder (Correct Bee Space) – durable and less prone to distortion than thin metal versions.

These practical additions make inspections, feeding, and treatment simpler and more consistent.

📦 What’s Included

• Varroa Floor
• Lift with Porch
• 3 Lifts (including additional lift for feeding space)
• One Brood Box (10 frames with foundation wax)
• One Half-Depth Brood Box (10 frames with foundation wax)
• One Honey Super (each with 10 frames and foundation wax)
• Solid Wood Roof
• Crown Board
• Wooden Queen Excluder
• Ready Assembled

Everything is prepared so you can begin immediately.

🏛 About the WBC Hive

Designed in 1890 by William Broughton Carr, the WBC is the iconic British beehive. Its double-walled design (inner box with outer lifts) provides additional insulation compared with single-walled hives.

The inner boxes are lighter than a standard National brood box, and the brood chamber takes 10 long-lug frames for secure handling during inspections.

While admired for its appearance, this hive is fully practical and configured for modern beekeeping.

🤝 Ongoing Support Included

All complete hive purchases include direct beekeeping support from our experienced beekeeper, with over 40 years of practical experience in both beekeeping and hive manufacture.

Whether you trained with us or are starting independently, we are here to help.

📍 Collection Only – RH9 8DF