Topic: Bumble bee

[Jesse]

Whilst I was at the allotment today a bumble bee was buzzing around. I thought it unusual to see one this early in the year. Then I got to thinking I should put up some of those bumble bee nest box things, but when is the best time of year to put them out?

[Juliet]

If I remember what they said on the Springwatch programme correctly, it's about now - before they come out of hibernation (I think yours was rather early too).  Lots more info. here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain/gardenwildlife/myspace/content.shtml?28
but it doesn't mention the best time of year to put out boxes.

If you don't already have a box, http://www.gardenbird.com/ is the place I've found them cheapest (£17.30) - please let me know if you know otherwise! - I was thinking of getting one when we move.

[Robert_Brenchley]

put them out; they'll be out as soon as the weather warms up a little. You don't need anything expensive; an upturned pot with a chip out of the rim for access and a bit of dead grass inside is quite adequate. If it's a flowerpot put a bit of slate on top so the rain doesn't get in through the hole.

[Jesse]

Should it be raised up off the ground, how high? And where's the best situation, sun/shade or are the not fussy? :)

[GREENWIZARD]

haven't seen any bumbees yet but my mammy found a wasp in her bathroom a couple of days ago :o
http://www.nestbox.co.uk/bumblebeebox.shtml~rather expensive but i think it'll be quite easy to make something similar

[Juliet]

Should it be raised up off the ground, how high? And where's the best situation, sun/shade or are the not fussy? :)

The BBC link in my previous post answers both those questions.

[Jesse]

Ah, you're right. Sorry, I was too busy looking at the other link I didn't take a look at the bbc one. Thanks! :)

[Juliet]

You're welcome!  :)

[moonbells]

Oddly, I saw a very early one too - on Boxing Day! Was down in Weymouth and got buzzed!

moonbells

[Whippet]

There was a bumble bee in our garden about four weeks ago.