Skep Making Workshop (One-Day)

WITH CHRIS PARK

Wednesday 15th July 2026

£160.00

Join us at Highgrove for a chance to learn the endangered craft of bee skep making using long straw, wheat and cane lapping, hosted by Chris Park. Employing the technique of ‘lipwork’, Chris will show you how to soak and bind straw and make a continuous coil to fashion an iconic beehive-shaped skep often seen in heraldry, upon jars of honey and bottles of mead.

Your workshop also includes a delicious two-course lunch in Highgrove's private dining room, the Garden Room.

Please note, this is a one-day workshop.

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All profits are donated to charity

Skep Making Workshop (One-Day)

Skep Making Workshop (One-Day)

£160.00

£160.00

Learn about a traditional craft

Skep-maker and skep beekeeper Chris Park will introduce you to the finer details of this traditional craft. As your confidence grows, he will also share insights into the rich history and heritage of beekeeping.

You’ll explore the principles of skep beekeeping and its relevance within contemporary, nature-based practices.

A slow and therapeutic process, you can expect to complete around one-third of a skep during the course. You’ll leave with the materials, tools, and knowledge needed to finish your skep at home in your own time.

Guests are asked to bring a waterproof apron or waterproof trousers, along with a bucket for water.

A hands-on day out with a delicious lunch

After an immersive morning of creativity, tuck into a delightful two-course lunch. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the echoes of your artistic endeavours, savour a meal that complements the day's experiences.

Programme

  • 9:30am - Guests arrive; refreshments served
  • 10:00am - Workshop session begins
  • 1:00pm - Lunch is served
  • 2:00pm - Workshop session resumes
  • 4:00pm - Workshop ends; guests depart

About Chris Park

Chris Park lives on an organic farm in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire. His work spans a wide range of disciplines, from arts and crafts and ancient technologies to educational projects, eco-building and promoting awareness of the heritage of beekeeping. He is a founding member of the Beekeeping History Trust, as well as a skep beekeeper and skilled skep-maker.

Chris is also set to release Bee-Skep Making: Heritage, Folklore and How to Make and Use Your Own Skeps this June. This practical guide explores traditional straw-skep building, along with insights into bee history and mythology, skep beekeeping techniques, and the crafting of honey and wax products.

Find out more Find out more

Important Information

  • Guests are asked to bring a waterproof apron or waterproof trousers, along with a bucket for water.
  • Guests will not be admitted without a valid ticket.
  • Although guests will be dining from a set menu, if you do have any dietary requirements, food intolerances, or allergies, please inform the Customer Service team no later than 2 weeks prior to your event at events@highgrovegardens.com.
  • Tickets cannot be exchanged, refunded, or replaced. Reselling, altering, or defacing a ticket will render it void.
  • Guests are required to bring photographic identification (i.e., a passport, driving license, or bus pass). Alternatively, a bank card is acceptable.
  • Accessibility and visitor well-being are very important to us. Should you have any additional requirements, please contact customerservices@highgrovegardens.com.
  • Smoking (including vaping) is not permitted anywhere on the Estate.
  • Please do not bring dogs onto the Estate (only assistance and guide dogs permitted).
  • Satellite navigation should only be used as a general guide. Please visit www.highgrovegardens.com/pages/directions for directions. what3words: presuming.episodes.talent
  • Please note that this event does not include a tour of the gardens.
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