Here at Hyde Hives, we use three types of wood to make our beehives: pine, English oak, and UK grown western red cedar. These woods are harvested right here in the UK, mainly in Leicestershire, which allows us to minimize our carbon footprint. Pine trees are very large and for that reason, John Muir coined them "King of the Conifers". Pine trees grow very straight, are dimensionally stable (meaning they resist warping, shrinking), and process beautifully through our machines with minimal tearing or cracking, making it the ideal pine species for bee hives. English oak  also known as the 'Pedunculate oak' because its acorns grow on stalks or 'peduncles', the English oak is a common tree. It displays a broad, spreading crown above thick branches and a trunk that becomes fissured with age. Its autumnal acorns are highly prized by both people and wildlife - the former use them for fodder for pigs and the latter often store them for the long winter ahead. Its wood was traditionally used for building ships and houses, and making furniture.. Western red cedar is a premier beehive material. Native to the Pacific Northwest but also grown in the UK, western red cedar is rot resistant, stable, lightweight, has tight straight grain, and insulates better than pine. It is revered for its beautiful grain and coloration, and due to its decay resistance, doesn't require paint in the elements. If left natural, it will age and patina to gray.

We use a fantastic saw mill just a couple of miles down the road called Stan Wall & Son Timber Ltd. We definilty recommened these guys if you need a nice lump of wood that is guaranteed to be grown right here in the UK.