About Beekeeping Naturally
Natural and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Beekeeping Naturally was founded by Adrian Iodice in 2014 with the aim of educating and inspiring individuals about natural, sustainable beekeeping practices.
Adrian believes that a holistic approach to bee care is essential for the well-being of the colony. Nurturing bees in tune with their natural behaviours supports their health and the ecosystems they help sustain.
Through hands-on workshops and online courses, Beekeeping Naturally provides both beginners and experienced beekeepers with the knowledge and tools to embrace natural methods that prioritise bee well-being.
From backyard enthusiasts to those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Beekeeping Naturally empowers you to sustain bee populations while deepening your appreciation of the miraculous lives of bees.
Beekeeping Naturally was founded by Adrian Iodice in 2014 with the aim of educating and inspiring individuals about natural, sustainable beekeeping practices.
Adrian believes that a holistic approach to bee care is essential for the well-being of the colony. Nurturing bees in tune with their natural behaviours supports their health and the ecosystems they help sustain.
Through hands-on workshops and online courses, Beekeeping Naturally provides both beginners and experienced beekeepers with the knowledge and tools to embrace natural methods that prioritise bee well-being.
From backyard enthusiasts to those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Beekeeping Naturally empowers you to sustain bee populations while deepening your appreciation of the miraculous lives of bees.
About Adrian Iodice
A passionate advocate for natural and sustainable bee care, Adrian Iodice is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the Natural Beekeeping movement in Australia.
A passionate advocate for natural and sustainable bee care, Adrian Iodice is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the Natural Beekeeping movement in Australia.
His journey began with conventional beekeeping, but his desire for a more holistic approach led him to explore new methods. In 2012, Adrian travelled to southern Germany to study at the renowned Mellifera Centre for Biodynamic Beekeeping, one of the leading institutions for natural beekeeping practices.
Since then, Adrian has dedicated himself to teaching others how to care for bees in a way that supports their natural biology. He is a strong advocate of using Kenyan Top Bar Hives, which offer bees a more natural space to thrive.
Adrian teaches courses and workshops throughout Australia, sharing his expertise with beekeepers of all levels — from beginners to seasoned practitioners looking to transition to more sustainable beekeeping methods. In addition to his work in Australia, Adrian has taught internationally and, in 2018, was invited to speak at the “Learning from the Bees” conference in the Netherlands.
His passion for natural beekeeping has made him a sought-after speaker and teacher across Australia and beyond. Adrian’s calm, easy-to-understand style of teaching makes him a favourite among those looking to deepen their connection with bees and learn more about sustainable living.
Adrian is available for teaching and speaking engagements in Australia and internationally, sharing his deep knowledge and love for bees with communities far and wide.
We need to rethink our relationship with bees, not just as honey producers, but as vital participants in our ecosystems.
~ Adrian Iodice
Beekeeping Naturally
About Kenyan Top Bar Hives
Kenyan Top Bar Hives offer a more natural and bee-centric approach to beekeeping.
Unlike conventional hives, which are designed for honey production, Kenyan Top Bar Hives prioritise the natural behaviour and well-being of bees.
These hives allow bees to build their comb in a way that closely mimics their behaviour in the wild, encouraging stronger, healthier, more resilient colonies.
The design of the hive promotes less interference with the bees, making it an ideal option for beekeepers who want to foster a low-impact approach to tending their bees.
Not only are Kenyan Top Bar Hives easier to manage — without heavy lifting — but they also provide a more organic, natural space for bees to create brood and honey stores, reducing the risk of stress and disease.
By using Kenyan Top Bar Hives, beekeepers can practise a more hands-off, observation-based style of beekeeping that aligns with the natural rhythms of the hive.
This method has gained popularity among those seeking to move away from conventional practices and embrace a more sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to caring for their bees.
For more insight into how this hive design works and why it’s an ideal choice for natural beekeeping, head to the blog to check out Key Features of the Kenyan Top Bar Hive and The Kenyan Top Bar Hive: A Quick Introduction. These posts offer deeper insights into how this hive design works and why it’s an ideal choice for natural beekeeping.
If you’re interested in ordering a Kenyan Top Bar Hive, feel free to get in touch, or you can order your hive here.
About Kenyan Top Bar Hives
Kenyan Top Bar Hives offer a more natural and bee-centric approach to beekeeping.
The Kenyan Top Bar Hive is about simplicity and allowing bees to express their natural behaviors. It's as close as we can get to letting bees be bees.
~ Phil Chandler
The Barefoot Beekeeper
Upcoming Courses & Workshops
Sat & Sun10th & 11th October, 2026Natural Beekeeping Course
Start Your Own Hive with Confidence
Sat & Sun24th & 25th October, 2026Natural Beekeeping Course
Start Your Own Hive with Confidence
Sat & Sun31st Oct & 1st Nov, 2026Natural Beekeeping Course
Start Your Own Hive with Confidence- Early Bird Ends 10th October 2026
Sat & Sun7th & 8th November, 2026Natural Beekeeping Course
Start Your Own Hive with Confidence 
Sat & Sun5th & 6th December, 2026Natural Beekeeping Course
Start Your Own Hive with Confidence
Learn Beekeeping Online
- LIVE Q&A support sessions
- Step-by-step HD videos
- Downloads, resourses & more
Recent Natural Beekeeping Articles
March 26, 2026Natural Beekeeping and Varroa in Australia:
A Conversation with Bianca Walker
March 19, 2026Closing the Circuit:
Why Your Permaculture Garden Needs Bees
February 25, 2026How to Position Your Beehive
A Beginner's Guide to Setting Up for Success
February 25, 2026Get Started in Beekeeping
7 Actionable Tips
October 27, 2025Guide to Catching Swarms:
A Natural Beekeeping Adventure
October 2, 2025Natural Beekeeping
Your questions answered- September Q & A
Handy Tips for Natural Beekeepers
FAQs
Hives and Beekeeping
What is a Kenyan top bar hive?
The Kenyan top bar hive is a favorite among natural beekeepers because it truly supports their bees’ health and well-being while staying simple to manage. Designed to reflect the way bees naturally build their homes in the wild, this hive provides a sustainable, low-maintenance environment that minimizes disturbance for the bees and makes life easier for the beekeeper. You can read more about the key features and benefits here.
What makes the Kenyan Top Bar Hive different from conventional hives?
The Kenyan Top Bar Hive is designed to replicate the natural conditions bees prefer, allowing them to build comb freely along horizontal top bars. This frameless, horizontal design aligns with the bees’ natural instincts and simplifies hive management.
How does the horizontal design benefit the beekeeper and the bees?
The horizontal layout eliminates the need for heavy lifting and makes inspections less invasive. It also provides a stress-free environment for the bees, promoting a healthy and productive colony.
How does the frameless design help the bees?
Without rigid frames, bees can build combs of varying sizes and shapes to suit their needs, promoting adaptability and a stronger, healthier colony.
What materials are used to make the Kenyan Top Bar Hive?
Our hives are crafted from sustainably harvested Australian Cypress Macrocarpa, a termite-resistant, durable, and lightweight timber that provides excellent insulation.
Is the Kenyan Top Bar Hive suitable for beginners?
Yes! Its simple design is easy to set up and manage, making it a great choice for new beekeepers who want to focus on natural and sustainable beekeeping.
What is Natural Beekeeping?
At its core, natural beekeeping encourages minimal interference with the bees’ natural processes. Natural beekeepers work with the bees rather than against them, using treatment-free methods to foster resilient colonies.
For a quick overview you can read more here.
Or for something more in-depth read The Foundations of Natural Beekeeping: A Beginner’s Guide here.
How do I get started with Natural Beekeeping?
You are in the right place.
Start reading, listening and watching!
Knowing what is out there and keeping up to date with best practice will make sure your efforts are rewarded.
You can make a start by reading Backyard Beekeeping: 10 Tips for beginners here.
Beekeeping Naturally courses are also great for budding beginner beekeepers. You can find a course near you here.
Where can I learn Natural Beekeeping?
You are in the right place. There is plenty of free information on this site, so please explore.
Check out the Beekeeping Naturally Blog HERE
Watch Beekeeping Naturally videos HERE
Find an in-person Beekeeping course near you HERE
Or join the waitlist for our online course which is coming soon.
What's the difference between Natural Beekeeping and conventional Beekeeping?
One of the most distinctive differences between conventional and natural beekeeping is the approach to swarming. In a natural beekeeping model, swarming is seen as a positive indicator of hive health, as it’s the primary method by which bees naturally reproduce and expand. Conventional beekeeping, however, often prevents swarming to retain high honey production.
Natural beekeeping incorporates hive designs that more closely mimic the wild habitats bees have thrived in for ages. Instead of the conventional Langstroth hives, many natural beekeepers opt for Kenyan or Warré hives. These hive types allow bees to build comb freely from the top bars.
Hive Options and Ordering
What are the options when purchasing a Kenyan Top Bar Hive?
There are three options to choose from.
- Ready to Assemble Kenyan Hive
- Pre Cut Pack
- Rough Sawn Timber Pack
What is included with a Ready to Assemble Kenyan hive?
This option comes with all the components to make your hive, including:
- 30mm thick cypress macrocarpa boards for the sides, ends, floor
- 25mm thick cypress macrocarpa gables and follower boards
- 800mm long cypress macrocarpa legs
- Cypress macrocarpa weatherboards
- 31 precut and grooved topbars
- Detailed instructions for easy setup
It’s everything you need to get started.
What is included with a Pre-cut Timber Pack?
This pack comes with all the timber already cut to exact dimensions to make your hive, including:
- 30mm thick cypress macrocarpa boards for the sides, ends, floor all cut to size
- 25mm thick cypress macrocarpa gables and follower boards
- 800mm long cypress macrocarpa legs
- 6 x Cypress macrocarpa weatherboards and ridge cap
- 33 precut and grooved topbars
- Detailed instructions for easy setup
- All screws and fixings
It’s everything you need to get started, all you need to do is measure and drill the holes then fix the screws in place.
What is included in a Rough Sawn Timber Pack?
These packs come with all the timber you need to make your own hive, including:
- 30mm thick cypress macrocarpa boards for the sides, ends, floor
- 25mm thick cypress macrocarpa gables and follower boards
- 800mm long cypress macrocarpa legs
- Cypress macrocarpa weatherboards and ridge cap
- 33 pre-cut and grooved topbars
- Detailed instructions for easy setup
It’s all the timber you need to get started.
How do I order a Kenyan Top Bar Hive?
To order your Kenyan Top Bar Hive for delivery anywhere in Australia, fill out the form HERE
Do you ship the Kenyan Top Bar Hive?
We offer both shipping and local pickup options in the Bega Valley or Castlemaine. Shipping costs will be calculated based on your location anywhere in Australia.
We do not ship hives outside of Australia, but you can download the plans to build your own hive here.
How long will it take to receive my hive after ordering?
Delivery times vary based on your location. Most orders are processed and shipped within 5-7 business days. You’ll receive tracking information once your order is dispatched.
Do you offer assembly support for the hive?
Yes, we provide step-by-step instructions and are happy to assist with any questions you might have during assembly.
What is your return policy?
If your hive arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 7 days of delivery. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue, including replacements if necessary.
Can I buy replacement parts for my hive?
Yes, we offer replacement components. Get in touch to let me know what you need and I’ll send you a quote.
