Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive, Tried and Tested. Comes with cleaning brush.

The Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive is an excellent, robust and well-designed resource and haven for your garden and home. I say the word 'haven' because it is just that a safe haven for solitary bees. The price is very fair for this hive which is made from good quality timber. It should, with a little forethought and care last you years and provide a nest for the bees as well as giving your flowers, garden and fruits a big boost whilst doing nature a big favour. The box is robust and requires no maintenance. To locate I would have it about 1 to 2 metres high on a warm wall or fence facing South- South East. Ideally close to flowing trees or plants. I located mine under the eaves if the roof to ensure the box is protected from the worst of the weather, snow or rain. That is really all you need to know it is a worthwhile and thoughtful investment- as a gift it is brilliant. Now the next bit is a little anecdotal and not essential to read but where else can I write this? About ten years ago I was fortunate to work as a supply teacher in a school in Stallingborough. We were doing a project on mini-beasts and I found the school had a professionally made 'solitary bees' hive. I screwed it to the wall on the classroom wall and was amazed that within a day the hive was used. During the rest of the next few months the hive was full. Now I considered myself quite well read on Mini-beasts – as a Primary Teacher I needed to be. But the hive and actually being able to observe the bees first hand was totally educating. The children learned a great deal too. If you have no idea what solitary bees are like you can 'google ' the subject yourself. But this is far better you get the opportunity to see and attract the bees first hand. Now solitary bees don't sting so they are safe for children, adults and the elderly alike. This hive will attract Orchard/Mason bees early in the season (the bees use mud to seal the grubs and eggs) later the holes will be used by leafcutter bees that use leaves rather than mud to seal theirs. Now I was amazed at just how small and ant-like solitary bees are. You really can see how the two species evolved from the same genus in the far past. By installing this box you really are helping wildlife so give your self a pat on the back and congratulate yourself. Thanks for reading. PostScript. I repositioned my beehive about 1-metre high on a South Facing Wall of the House. This was at the end of April. Within 2 days solitary bees started using the holes. Other 'hives' longs drilled with holes and cut bamboo canes have just been ignored. The key is location location location. Warm wall, and sunny South facing. I've enclosed a few photos showing close ups of the holes 7 filled by Mason Bees the 8th by leaf cutter. The hive is in constant use. PSS. One year later the bees have hatched. The males are the first to hatch and frantically try to break into the cells containing the females so they can mate. But the problem is that the new females have begun to lay a new brood so it is hard to know if and when to clean out the hive. Latest problem is a woodpecker has attacked the nesting holes in an attempt to eat the larva. Nature in the raw. Ppps. Noticed all the 'new hives' I put up have been used but this one seemed to have holes everywhere. I took the box apart and found that none of the holes had been reused. Could this because of the 'debris' left behind by this years hatchlings? Or the fact the all the bees seemed to be disturbed by the males/ I have cleaned out the tubes and place the box in the shed and plan to put it up early in the new year.

Bee's are going to love it, well made and constructed 10/10

Just received my second hive as the fist - having paid for 1st class - took 10 days to arrive....so missed my sons birthday! However, Amazon refunded postage and posted a second one which I've now decided to keep along with the first, and will give my neice as a present. It's quite a sweet little thing, about what I expected for the price around £15 and is ideal for lone bees. will look lovely in the garden (not too big) and hopefully do its job. Need to read up on placing it. Bit concerned it may not weather well from others reviews? Really looking forward to waiting and watching. Apparently likes morning sun - their warm wake up call! I think as many people as possible should be encouraged to have one of these inexpensive hives and help the bee population. A great way to start an interest in bees from the very youngest onwards...a brilliant idea as a present. Go for it, you can't loose.

Looked great in the garden.

Very solid construction and attractive design unlike some that are rather gimmicky.

Mason bees filled up 2 so far

I put it up on my south facing wall and within a week (June) mason bees had filled 6 holes. It came with a nice little brush to clean out the holes later on. It is much better than cheaper versions because it has screws to keep all the layers tightly together and you can unscrew it to clean all the layers when the bees have hatched out in spring. Also it has a metal protection strip down the top of the roof to stop it leaking. Cheaper versions just have a sort of roofing felt which just peels off and doesn't last year after year like this one does. This size is just right - much easier to put on a frame or wall than bigger versions.

I brought my first solitary bee home 3 years ago and have brought an additional one every year since. The current one went up a few days ago and is already filling up. I have just ordered a 4th. You can tell how busy and happy the bees are by the giant holes in the rose leaves. It is wonderfully entrancing watching the bees frequent visits, to fill the chambers. Well made and clearly effective. I recommend this attractive bee hotel.