Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

Hi newbie here,

Having moved into a property that has a small garden over a year ago, i have enjoyed designing and planting the bare back yard, and equally taken an interest in the wildlife that inhabits and visits it.

I have heard that bees are in decline (not sure if this is bumbles, honeys or solitary types) and although i didn't particularly want bees for pollinating or honey, i just wondered if there was anything i could do to help.

Also while thinking along these lines, i wondered why this years bees (only seen a few) only seem to visit 3 of my 8 winter flowering heathers. I contacted the heather society about this, as i wanted to add some more heathers anyway, and thought i'd do what i can to include plants they could feed on. The society said that they don't really know too much about the nectar or pollen use of winter heathers, plant gender, sterility of hybrids etc, but they explained about bee mouths and nectar robbing.

I'm therefore trying to find out what i can about heathers for bees, and also what types of bees i should try and help in my area of north surrey. As my back garden is only 7x5m, would there be any types of bees that i could help, other than just planting well for them?

Appreciate any help, thanks

Hello 'lowlife', not being rude there.

Welcome to the WildlifeUK forusms! Glad to have you aboard

hi lowlife,if you mean plants for bees for all seasons not just winter it would be worth planting lavender,bees love them and there are lots of different varietys.Also hebes are a good plant and buddliea if you have the space

Hi lowlife and welcome.

Thats interesting about the Heathers , have you tried Bumblebee conservation, or BWARS(Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society). They will have a wealth of info on bees, and may be able to answer your questions.

You could also make some bee nesting boxes, along with the planting for bees.


Do keep us informed...unless another member has the answer that is.