A place to learn, share and inspire others to create a haven for you and for wildlife.
Sign In or Register to join the conversation
Article in BBC Wildlife Magazine news - apparently research conducted by Stirling University and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust has found that bee boxes don't seem to appeal to bees very much. In the study, just over 3% of the boxes were taken up by bumblebees, thought to possibly be because the majority of British Bumblebee species tend to nest underground whereas the boxes available for them are above-ground. Best trying to make space for natural sites rather than taking the artificial route!
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
I read a post the other day KatTai (I can't remember who's post it was) about finding a bees nest under the floor of a shed. That makes a lot of sense in the light of the article you mention. What a shame for all those well meaning people who are trying to encourage bees into their gardens. Perhaps bee boxes will be taken over by some other species, like my wasps this year who took over a bird nest box.
bye for now
Just found it, it was from Maisie
www.rspb.org.uk/.../50082.aspx
I think a lot of well-meaning people may not be happy when a species other than the intended ones moves into a bee box though. It certainly happens when something that isn't a bird moves into a bird box!
Perhaps creating a bee home beneath things like sheds is the way forward! They certainly seem to like living beneath floorboards!
I have never actually thought of getting a bumblebee box but it the result of the research is interesting.
The ground nesting bees in my garden burrow under the thick layer of bark around an old holly tree which tends not to get disturbed.
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake
I wonder if it's worth building your sheds etc on a foundation with a brick/block edge, and either leaving out a half-brick here and there, or using an air brick to let insects/hedgehogs in.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
I have had a bee box for about 5 years and no takers. My bees seem to prefer with mouse holes, mole hills or one of the compost heaps. I beat a hasty retreat last year when one of the heaps started to thrum - this heap is positioned behind the garden shed - sp there must be something about sheds.
Caroline in Jersey
Cin J
Hi
Bumble bees will find old mouse nests to start the colony.
So most artificial sites that are successful will be underground.
One of the members told how to build one last year.
One of the things suggested was moss and if poss an old mouse nest. The smell will attract
So if you know anyone with pet mice your one step nearer
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Maisie - it could be an idea, other things could be to have a substrate between the brick supports that beasties can burrow into. Would make use of some otherwise wasted space! Sheds for wildlife lol
Caroline - yup, definately seems to be something about sheds that suits bees!
Ray - that is also interesting to know! Though I don't know anyone who keeps mice I'm sure they will be around most wildlife-friendly gardens sooner or later to create holes for the bees!
I have noted a Bees Nest situated under my neighbours guttering next door at the moment.
For the sake of the Bees we have decided not to say anything to our neighbour. The Bees are high enough not to bother anyone at all {I hope}
I would feel awful if the Bees nest was destroyed as they go through such a lot and I want to protect their interests now
I have heard of Bees nests in bird Boxes and that is more bad luck than anything
Regards
Kathy and Dave
I have noticed for some weeks now Bees going into a small gap in the paving at the bottom
of my garden, quite near the bottom of the hedge. I cannot imagine there is much room
under there.