I recently saw an article asking people to put hives in their gardens to encourage the bees. However, I have had a go at this before and was rather badly stung but I would like to help the bees. Can anyone tell me....could I put a hive in the garden but leave it completely alone? Would this help and would they be happy bees. I am not interested in harvesting the honey or anything, just providing them with a home and helping to protect them. Also, apart from planting to encourage bees, how can I help bumble bees? Do they need hives too!!!
Thank you Jenny
Hi Jenny,
My uncle used to keep bees and he says the answer to your (question could I put a hive in my garden and leave it alone?) is no. They do need to be checked on a regular basis.
Try this link for more information. www.thorn.co.uk/thorn7.htm
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Hi - you don't necessarily need a 'hive' to help bees - you can easily and cheaply provide suitable nest sites which will help many of our native species. You can get lots of information on these - how to make them and where to put them from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust here
You'll also be able to find lists of plants to encourage bees into your garden here
Help swifts by letting us know what they're up to - fill in the 2010 survey
Thanks for that, I will check tham out.
Hi Jenny
Have you thought of contacting a local bee-keeping society/person? They might be glad to put one or more hives in your garden and do the looking after for you. That way you need have no contact with the honey bees but would still be helping them.
Squirrel
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!