The Bee-friendly Beekeeper

Pretty much just re-positions much in Heaf's other book and his translation of Abbe Warre's book, which were both excellent. However, I was disappointed that there was not much new in this book and in fact did not have as much information as in his own previous book. For instance, his construction details which were copied from the previous book did not have the Imperial conversions from metric. So if you are to choose which book to get, Heaf's "Natural Beekeeping with the Warre Hive" instead of this one. "The Beefriendly Beekeeper" was harder to get as only English booksellers offered it here in the States when I purchased, so don't bother, especially if you can get his first two books.

The bees are loosing the battle for survival. There are many reasons for this, not the least to be blamed is the new insecticides being used. However, another factor is the beekeeping practices that stress the bees. This book proposes that top bar (warrè style) beekeeping practices are less stressful and are therefore better for the bees. I found the book informative and well laid out.I am looking forward to buying David's new book (if amazon would get it in).

When I started keeping bees last year, I bought more than a dozen books to get up to speed, and although this was one of the thinner volumes, it was the clear standout. David Heaf writes beautifully, with both intelligence and charm, and his clear understated style is a a joy to read. If you're interested in beekeeping generally, or in bee-centric beekeeping specifically, you won't go wrong. I now have 6 Warre hives buzzing happily in the Czech Republic thanks to Dr. Heaf, and I hope to soon add more. Great author and great book.

Balanced, well researched and written summary of bee-friendly techniques that both "natural" and mainstream beekeepers can use to consider their own practices around hive style, management, feeding, treatment, swarming, queen rearing and replacement. Heaf is a clear voice for bee-centric practices that focus on the wellbeing of the hive. He offers thoughtful suggestions about how beekeepers with various priorities might choose to manage their bees.

Heaf is an expert beekeeper and a true friend to the bees, nudging beekeepers into deeper understanding and better practices.

So helpful since I know mobody locally who uses a Warre huve - thank you!

Every once in awhile a book comes along that becomes the book that every library on the subject must have- this is one of those books. This is the book for everyone that considers themselves Bee"carers" not just beekeepers. If you truly care about honey bees, I guarantee, you will never be sorry you added this book to your personal library. It is an excellent source of information, not just on keeping bees, but also on the art of being a natural beekeeper. Very detailed in beekeeping with the Warre Hive.I loaned my first copy to a member of my bee club, it is now making it around the club. I have now blessed that book and sent it on it's way and will be buying a second copy for myself.

You can download Warre's original book for free (translated into English), but this book is the only modern incarnation of the natural beekeeping method. It's chock full of photos and information about what bees need in order to stay healthy.That said, it's expensive since it's not printed in the US, and it keeps referring you back to Warre's book for more information on managing Warre hives.

Having kept bees in a 'conventional' way for many years I am convinced that the approach outlined in the book is the way forward for beekeeping practice.

Plain and simple to read and understand, would recommend it to anyone who is starting out in bees using the Warre Hive

A must have book for all wanting to keep bees in Warre top bar hives! Very useful info!

If you want to learn about keeping bees in a bee-friendly and respectful manner, this book is a valuable source of information. It combines the best of received knowledge and recent developpements. I highly recommend this read.