Most species of bee in the UK are solitary and do not live in colonies like bumblebees or honeybees.  They are very important pollinators, but tend not to be as well-known about as their social relatives. Some species nest below ground and others use plant stems, holes in mortar or artificial habitat, such as mine.

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  I was surprised at how little people knew about what happens inside the tubes of a solitary bee habitat, often known as a Bee 'Hotel'. These tubes are used for breeding. Females create individual 'cells' inside the stems using mud or leaves, into which they lay an egg. Each cell is then packed full of pollen, providing food for the larvae as it grows over  the warm summer months.  The offspring chew their way out of the nest and emerge as adults around April/May.These bees are totally safe to have in the garden as they do not sting. Many species do not even have a sting. These bees are highly efficient pollinators and we should all do our bit to encourage them into our gardens, as they are both fascinating to watch and a valuable part of your garden ecosystem.

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  I also created some videos to explain what happens inside these tubes and how you can make your own solitary bee 'hotel' of your own.