Bee House at Burston Garden Centre

We often hear the media discussing the declining bee population. One of the main reasons for the decline is down to the loss of natural nesting sites.

Solitary Bees, unlike bumble or honey bees, build their own nests and do not live in hives. Although they do not produce honey, they are still pollinators and play a vital role in our food chain. By putting a bee house in your garden, you will be providing a nesting site for these solitary bees. They will use the hollow bamboo canes in which to lay their eggs.

It is important to regularly maintain your bee house once you have installed it. They should be cleaned out each year to prevent parasites which could result in bees dying.

Bee houses are also a great educational tool for children.

Bee Facts

  • Solitary bees make up the largest percent of the bee population, with 90% of bees being in the solitary category

  • There are about 250 species of Solitary bee in the UK

  • Solitary bees (as the name suggests) are lone bees, which means they do not belong to a colony

  • 85% (or more) of plants exist because of bees

  • Bees are responsible for a third of all of the food that we eat!

  • Bees are in decline and need your help!