Most people want more bees in their garden but don’t know where to start, what actually works, or whether they even have the space to do it properly.
Yet many people still wonder why they don’t see more native bees around their own homes.
It’s rarely because they don’t care. More often, it’s because they haven’t been shown simple, practical ways to support them.
This workshop is designed to change that. You’ll learn which native bees you can realistically support, how to attract them without redesigning your whole garden, and simple ways to create habitat, even if you’re renting or short on space.
You’ll see inside a live stingless bee hive, taste their remarkable honey, and discover how small, thoughtful actions can make a genuine difference, without needing to go “full sustainability mode” or overhaul your lifestyle.
Whether you’re growing food, creating a wildlife-friendly garden, or just wanting to do something meaningful, this workshop gives you tools you can actually use.
What You’ll Learn & Experience
An engaging, practical introduction to Australian native bees, both solitary species and stingless bees
What actually attracts bees (and what doesn’t)
How to support bees in small gardens, balconies, decks and rental spaces
See inside a live stingless bee hive, witness a hive split, and taste honey straight from the hive
Build your own bee hotel and understand who will move in (and who won’t)
Plant choices that work for native bees without needing a full garden redesign
Clear next steps, resources, and products if you want to go further
You’ll leave with practical knowledge, something you’ve made, and the confidence to support native bees in a way that suits your space and lifestyle.
WHAT TO BRING
· Your love of bees!
Saturday 21st March
10am - 1pm
Trevallan Lifestyle Centre
$70 per person
Must be above 15 to attend (if under please contact Trevallan)
Your Workshop Facilitator - Ian driver
A Green Soul Native Bees is a small, Sunshine Coast based family business specialising in Australian native stingless bees. Founded and operated by Ian Driver, the business services South East Queensland including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich, offering a range of native bee products, hive builds, and education services to individuals, schools, organisations and community groups.
Ian’s journey into native bees began over a decade ago while he was actively working to green up his family’s lifestyle, reducing their environmental footprint and growing more home-produced food. That journey quickly highlighted the essential role of pollinators, leading to the purchase of a native bee hive for the garden… and the beginning of a long-term passion.
A move from an inner-city Brisbane block to acreage on the Sunshine Coast provided the space to expand both food production and bee keeping, allowing Ian to deepen his hands-on experience with Australian native bees.
Through A Green Soul Native Bees, Ian provides native bee products and services throughout South East Queensland and manages hives in kindergartens and schools, where he delivers engaging, age-appropriate education sessions. Education is a core focus of his work, and Ian regularly runs Native Beekeeping 101 workshops across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Ipswich for community groups, councils, festivals, the corporate sector, and the Australian Native Bee Association.
In addition to education, Ian designs and builds Australian native beehives and a range of bee-related products, combining practical knowledge with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Ian is the Past President of the Australian Native Bee Association and currently serves as Branch Liaison Officer, continuing to support the growth, education and responsible keeping of native stingless bees across Australia.