E.H. Thorne (Beehives) Ltd

E.H. Thorne (Beehives) Ltd Thornes are the leading manufacturer and supplier of beekeeping equipment and candlemaking supplies.

We need your help! 🐝Our newest observation hive is almost ready, but it’s missing one important thing… a name.The assemb...
08/06/2026

We need your help! 🐝

Our newest observation hive is almost ready, but it’s missing one important thing… a name.

The assembly team here at Thorne have been busy restoring an old observation hive that some of you may have spotted near the museum. Now, fully restored and standing proudly on display, we are asking for your help to give it a name.

Got an idea? Drop your suggestion in the comments below 👇

The winning name might even become its official title.

05/06/2026

🌹 June's Mould of the Month – The Skep with Roses 🌹

This month’s featured mould is inspired by June’s birth flower, the rose—a timeless symbol of beauty, growth, and the arrival of summer blooms.

As part of our Mould of the Month promotion, the Skep with Roses is available with 10% off throughout June. Either on its own or as part of a complete kit.

Every mould at Thorne is crafted by our team in Scotland, ensuring each design is beautifully detailed and uniquely made.

They are super simple and enjoyable to use, and are tailored for both beginners and experienced makers. You can find a wide range of tutorials across our social media platforms, along with further product information on our Website.

Shop Now: https://www.thorne.co.uk/candlemaking/candle-moulds/ts-moulds-silicone-moulds/bee-theme/ts75-skep-with-roses.html

Yellow Legged Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina) are a growing threat to honeybee colonies, putting immense pressure on hard...
03/06/2026

Yellow Legged Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina) are a growing threat to honeybee colonies, putting immense pressure on hardworking bees and the beekeepers who care for them. Don't wait until hornets are targeting your hives. Take action early and help protect your bees 🐝

The TRAP-X Asian Hornet Trap is a world leading product made here in the UK. Engineered specifically to target invasive Yellow Legged Asian Hornets, it protects beneficial insects through its innovative fin, funnel design, and selective entrance reducer, drawing hornets in while allowing non-target species to escape.

SHOP TRAP-X HERE: https://www.thorne.co.uk/pests-diseases/pest-and-disease-asian-hornet

Yellow Legged Asian Hornet sightings have continued to increase in 2026, making this a particularly troubling time for beekeepers in the UK, especially in high-risk southern counties. Early detection is essential to protect colonies and prevent establishment.

If you spot a Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet or a nest
please report it immediately!

It is crucial all potential sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Yellow Legged Asian Hornets. Please include an image wherever possible as written descriptions are much less effective.

See it! Snap it! Send it!
The best way to report any sightings is via the 'Asian Hornet Watch' App.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE APP HERE: https://www.bbka.org.uk/identify-report-asian-hornet

03/06/2026

The video from the interesting panel discussion on varroa, chaired by Professor Robert Pickard, will be released at 5.15pm UK local time on this Friday, 5th June: https://www.youtube.com/user/nationalhoneyshow.
Following the four presentations on various aspects of varroa resistance in the 2025 NHS programme, the lecturers were all present to answer questions. In the last few years a lot has been learnt, much by our speakers Stephen Martin from the science angle, Steve Riley from the beekeeping view and Joe Ibbertson by observing free-living colonies. All four of their lectures have already been published and are available to view on the National Honey Show Youtube channel.

A good press in cage can make inspections smoother, faster and less stressful for both you and your queens, allowing you...
30/05/2026

A good press in cage can make inspections smoother, faster and less stressful for both you and your queens, allowing you to safely confine a queen directly onto the comb without picking her up. Whether you are requeening, tracking genetics or organising your apiary, proper marking helps you spot your queen in seconds.

We have been making these press-in cages, also known as crown of thorns, at our factory in Lincolnshire for over 45 years. They are robust and durable, certain to outlast any plastic models. Sharp pins are driven through a composite circular ring, followed by precise weaving of thread to form a grid. They are the top choice for many beekeepers!

Check out our short video of the weaving process here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0C9GE7enuJI

Shop here: https://www.thorne.co.uk/queen/marking/press-in-cage.html

The Micro Honey Harvester from HiveKeepers 🍯Meet the future of honey harvesting. Are you looking for a simple way to har...
27/05/2026

The Micro Honey Harvester from HiveKeepers 🍯

Meet the future of honey harvesting. Are you looking for a simple way to harvest honey? If you're a small-scale beekeeper or just starting out, the Micro Honey Harvester is an easy way to harvest your honey. No mess and no stress. Just you, your bees and fresh honey, harvested in your kitchen.

🐝 Special Offer! 10% off 🐝 Fancy trying something new and exciting? Or, are you already using sections? Whether you pref...
23/05/2026

🐝 Special Offer! 10% off 🐝

Fancy trying something new and exciting? Or, are you already using sections? Whether you prefer section racks or Ross Rounds, producing comb honey can be one of the most rewarding parts of beekeeping. Clean white wax, fully capped comb, and that natural presentation customers love... it’s hard to beat! Section racks give that classic square honeycomb look, while Ross Rounds create beautiful circular comb sections with minimal finishing work.

What will you be using this season? Let us know in the comments below, along with any tips for fellow beekeepers!



Shop here: https://www.thorne.co.uk/sections/wooden-section

🐝 SPECIAL OFFER 🐝Keep your colonies healthy and strong with Oxybee, the trusted solution for effective Varroa mite contr...
20/05/2026

🐝 SPECIAL OFFER 🐝

Keep your colonies healthy and strong with Oxybee, the trusted solution for effective Varroa mite control during broodless periods (ideal for swarms).

Oxybee is an easy and organic way to apply oxalic acid during broodless periods for the treatment of varroa.

Oxybee comes with two sachets of powder containing essential oils and sugar as well as a bottle of oxalic acid and glycerol. Initial studies show that the glycerol increases the adherence of oxalic acid to the bees which improves dissemination throughout the colony. Glycerol also increases the hygroscopy (the ability to retain water) which means the solution is retained for longer in the colony. Field data have shown that the efficacy of Oxybee is higher than standard formulations of oxalic acid and sucrose.

✔️ Easy to apply
✔️ Highly effective
✔️ Gentle on your bees

For a limited time, grab Oxybee at a special discounted price! Don’t miss the chance to protect your hives while saving money this season. Currently £25 for 1 litre (a saving of £15), with an expiry date of 31st May 2026. Oxybee is good for a year once made up – even if made up at the expiry date.

Unlike other oxalic acid treatments, Oxybee has a long shelf life even after being made up. Once made up, it can be left for up to a year in the fridge. There is no withdrawal period which means there is no mandatory waiting time between applying Oxybee and using honey for human consumption.

📦 Stock up now before the offer ends!

CLICK HERE for full instructions & to shop Oxybee: Oxybee - Oxalic Acid Varroa Treatment - 1 litre - 31st May 2026

Happy World Bee Day!!Today we celebrate bees and other pollinators that play a vital role in food production, biodiversi...
20/05/2026

Happy World Bee Day!!

Today we celebrate bees and other pollinators that play a vital role in food production, biodiversity and environmental sustainability 🐝 🌸

To every beekeeper rising early, tending hives, protecting colonies, and continually learning (through the ups and the downs)… thank you! Your work supports the future of our planet.

On World Bee Day, let’s continue to protect all bees by planting pollinator-friendly flowers, reducing pesticide use, and supporting sustainable beekeeping practices.

Don’t forget that it’s also No Mow May. By putting your lawnmower away for the month, you can allow flowers like daisies, clover and dandelions to bloom and produce nectar and pollen for bees.

No bees. No blooms. No food.
Protect the pollinators 💚🐝

🐝 🐝 🐝 Every beekeeper knows the value of a calm hive, and smoke sticks remain one of the simplest tools for a smooth ins...
16/05/2026

🐝 🐝 🐝 Every beekeeper knows the value of a calm hive, and smoke sticks remain one of the simplest tools for a smooth inspection. By producing a cool, steady smoke, they help mask alarm pheromones and encourage bees to stay focused on feeding rather than defending the hive.

Natural smoke sticks offer a cleaner burn and pleasant aroma while reducing harsh chemicals near the colony. Consistent smoke also helps beekeepers work more efficiently, minimising stress for both the bees and the beekeeper.

These compressed wood sticks are made from pure spruce. They can be inserted into your smoker, standing upright on the wired stand provided. Alternatively, you can stand the smoke stick in front of your hive and light it, allowing the cool, white smoke to drift into the hive entrance. For full instructions, see the product link below.

SEE INSTRUCTIONS & SHOP HERE: https://www.thorne.co.uk/hardware-clothing/smokers-fuel/smoker-fuel-accessories/smoke-sticks.html

Priced at: £16.70 (box includes 60 smoke sticks and one wired stand)

We have put together a short video demonstrating how to use smoke sticks with a smoker. You can check it out by clicking the link below!
WATCH VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ExnZnL1cxZY
🐝

Address

Beehive Business Park, Rand
Market Rasen
LN85NJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+441673858555

Website

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