There are many and varied beekeeping equipment suppliers on the web, too numerous to list here. However, the following principles should be borne in mind:
Hives: Whatever type of hive you use (or make yourself in accordance with the Sustainable Beekeeping Courses mentioned), the hives should be constructed of natural materials which do not contaminate either the bees or the environment. External paintwork must be pesticide-free and based on natural materials such as linseed oil or wood oil, and any external glues used should be as free as possible from harmful substances.
Internally, only beeswax, propolis and vegetable oils should be used.
Below is a brief description of some traditional types of hive:
The National: The most popular hive in the British Isles - all frames and foundation are interchangeable with the W.B.C hive
The W.B.C.: This is the classic and most attractive 'bee-hive' type beehive! Designed at the turn of the last centrury by William Broughton Carr and still popular.
The Langstroth: The Reverend Langstroth invented this one in 1850. It was the first moveable frame hive to be used.
Other types of hive are gaining in popularity. Amongst them are:
Warre: (www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org) A Warre hive is a vertical top bar hive that is simple to build and easy to use. The Warre hive is healthier and better suited to the bees since they are allowed to draw out their own comb and maintain a more natural environment.
Top Bar Hive: (www.beesfordevelopment.org) This is a long horizontal hive with removable combs. When using top-bar hives, it is essential that bees are encouraged to build their comb centrally from each top-bar. This makes life very convenient for the natural beekeeper, as it enables combs to be lifted easily from the hive for inspection, or for harvesting.
Whatever type you choose, it should accord with the natural principles outlined above.