I have just read on the BBC website that the large amounts of rain we are getting is having a serious impact on the numbers of ground nesting bumble bees because the ground is rain-sodden and they are struggling to nest.
Fortunately the experts don't believe any species could become extinct, but the lower populations could have a negative effect on the pollination of crops and flowers.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/high...276874.stm
Well, that's myself off to buy a bumble bee nest box!
I've certainly not seen as many as I usually do - my garden seems devoid of bumbles atm
Thanks for the article, from what I see in my garden there has definitely not been anywhere near as many bumble bees around this year. I can't remember seeing more than one or two all summer. Its not the end of the summer yet though so if the ground dries out like its meant to according the weather forecasters there might be some sort of a recovery.
The best way to help is to put some plants that bumble bees like in your garden, wildflowers and traditional cottage type plants are the best.
I agree, the more wildflowers the better. However I do see many visiting normal bedding plants etc. too!
I've got some info about making bumble bee homes, but think I'll put it on Amythest's Bee thread if you want to go see
Where could I get a bumble bee box from? Or are there any ideas for something more homemade?
Sunshine, go to Amethysts thread about Bee boxes - it's on Wildlife Q&A's
Sorry, not sure how to link it here.
A new study says that bees are more likely to nest in gardens than woods grasslands. This means that gardens are key to bee conservation, something which most of us probably thought was likely already but is now proven.
The Article
So everyone, get out there with some bee boxes, because they aren't doing much nesting right now with all the rain
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Kingfisher
Yes, we should all follow Amethyst and Caz's example and get (or make) ourselves bee boxes. Especially as more rain is forecast.
I am not in UK but my elder sister is there. I'll ask her to get one bee box too.
I am not in UK but my elder sister is there. I'll ask her to get one bee box too.
Excellent! I don't think the bees can get too much help, thanks for the offer.
Kingfisher
I do find it interesting that bees seem to prefer nesting in gardens rather than woodland. Gardens on evolutionary timescales are quite a recent thing, whereas woodland and grasslands have been around for much longer and must have been used by the bees originally, so you would have thought they would have evolved to preferentially nest in them.
The article does say that gardens have a higher proportion of areas like hedges and garden buildings which the bees like to nest in, which is great for us because it means there is lots we can do individually to help the bees, I do find it interesting though.
My bee boxes are relatively full of leaf cutter bee nests. Saying that though I have not seen as many bees or butterflies as last year. I made a new bumblebee nest out of a> a speaker - ripped out the speaker and stuck a wooden front on the box with a gap so the bee could get in. Also 3 pots, one filled with straw, one with leaves and one with bamboo sticks. Only made them last week though so nothing in them yet.