ABOUT US

The Urban Beehive 

Established in 2010 by beekeepers Vicky Brown and Doug Purdie, The Urban Beehive is driven by a deep desire to protect pollinating bees in Sydney, in the knowledge that this will ensure the city’s health and – ultimately – its survival. Today, we have over a hundred beehives, and we are partnered with some of Sydney’s most acclaimed businesses. 

Urban Beehive hives located on a rooftop overlooking the centre of Sydney
Close up of a bee on an apiarist's finger

THE BIG PICTURE

Why bees?

Funny question to ask beekeepers, but the answer is because we are passionate about them: European honeybees, native stingless bees, Blue-Banded bees, Teddy Bear bees, all play a vital role in Australia’s ecosystem, and it’s an honour
to be a part of that.

DREAM BEEKEEPING TEAM

Who we are

 Veteran beekeepers with over 30 years' experience who met through the NSW Beekeepers Association.

Urban Beehive beekeeper Doug Purdie stands in front of two Sydney-based beehives

CO-OWNER

Douglas Purdie

Doug became a beekeeper in 2008, and quickly went on to become the president of the NSW Amateur Beekeepers Association. He is the author of Backyard Bees and The Bee Friendly Garden (published by Murdoch Books), blogs regularly at The Beevangelist, and is often called upon to appear as a bee expert on TV and in other media.
Experienced urban beekeeper Vicky Brown stands next to hives in a Urban Beehive Sydney-city apiary

CO-OWNER

Vicky Brown

Vicky began her beekeeping journey on Kangaroo Island, a dedicated bee sanctuary and home to the Ligurian Honeybee. Keeping bees in an ‘urban’ environment was the next step, and she now maintains apiaries all over Sydney, teaches beekeeping courses, and raises awareness about the significance of bees as the earth’s major pollinators. She is part of a growing international community of dedicated rooftop apiarists.

our bees

What's in a name?

Our bees have names! Each hive has a story: there's the Fish Tail colony, which came from a community garden near the Bondi shoreline, while the 'Geoff' swarm was named after a long-time member of the Illawarra Bee Club! Each colony has its own characteristics – like any family – but they are typically non-aggressive thanks to our policy of keeping beehives with placid genes.

Two apiarists standing next to urban hives in Sydney

HONOURED TO BE

Trusted by leading companies

meet the beekeepers 

Professionals in the field 

Mentoring, hosting, bee management and many years of knowledge and experience.

Events

Looking for a beekeeper to host an event? We can give you a sweet deal. 

Mentorships 

Gain confidence handling your bees with beekeepers you can trust.

Service

Chat to an experienced beekeeper at our Matraville shop. 

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Testimonials

FOR BEEKEEPERS BY BEEKEEPERS

We’ve got you and your bees covered

Beekeeping courses, equipment, honey, wax and bespoke experiences – The Urban Beehive offers the lot

our complete & unique services 

See what we can offer you 

From beekeeping courses, equipment, honey, wax to bespoke experiences, we have you covered.

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Get your [free download]

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What people ask

FAQs

Absolutely! We’ve got plenty of experience in TV, podcasts, radio, newspapers and magazines. Check out our media page for examples, and send us an email to find out how we can help.

Our beekeepers are available for events where an expert is required to chat about bees. Contact us for more information.

We love to meet new beekeepers! If your local bee club is looking for a speaker feel free to send us an email request and the topic you are considering sharing with your members.

A beekeeping company run by beekeepers? It makes sense and means you get the best advice in the industry.