Wildlife Welfare

Wild Bee Nesting Habitat Creation

Wild bees including solitary species require diverse nesting habitats that have declined dramatically with agricultural intensification and urban development.

Key Facts

Over 250 species of bee exist in the UK, of which only one is the honeybee
70% of UK bee species are solitary and nest in soil, dead wood, or hollow stems
Solitary bee populations have declined significantly with habitat loss
Bare earth patches for ground-nesting bees are rare in managed landscapes
South-facing banks and dead wood piles provide critical nesting habitat

Welfare Considerations

Wild bees face welfare challenges from habitat loss that reduces nesting opportunities and foraging resources. Supporting diverse nesting habitats addresses the welfare needs of individual bees while contributing to essential pollination ecosystem services.

What You Can Do

Leave areas of bare earth or create south-facing bee banks in your garden
Install bee hotels with tubes of appropriate diameter for different species
Plant diverse native wildflowers that provide pollen and nectar across the season