Wildlife

Wild Bee Colony Welfare: Nest Site Provision and Garden Support

Solitary and bumblebee species benefit from targeted garden management that provides nest sites, food plants, and reduced pesticide exposure.

Key Facts

UK bee populations declined significantly with over 50% of bumblebee species reduced
Solitary bees require bare earth for tunnelling or hollow stems for cavity nesting
Bee hotels with appropriate dimensions and materials support solitary bee nesting
Neonicotinoid pesticides are banned from outdoor use in UK due to pollinator toxicity

Welfare Considerations

Individual bees that cannot find nest sites or forage resources face starvation and reproductive failure. Garden management that provides diverse native flowering plants, nesting habitat, and pesticide-free zones directly supports individual bee welfare and population resilience.

What You Can Do

Plant a succession of native flowering plants providing pollen and nectar from March to October
Leave patches of bare soil and provide bee hotels with solid timber and hollow stem inserts
Never use neonicotinoid or pyrethroid pesticides in bee foraging areas