Build a simple sanctuary
The best bee sanctuary is diverse and dependable. Combine plants with different flower shapes and staggered blooming periods so something useful is available from early spring into autumn.
Food through the seasons
Choose pollen- and nectar-rich plants suited to your light, soil and available space. Herbs, fruit blossom, native wildflowers and flowering shrubs can all contribute.
Safe water
Provide a shallow dish with clean water and stones or pebbles that let insects land without drowning. Refresh it regularly.
Nesting and shelter
Leave some hollow stems, dead wood, tussocky grass and patches of bare, well-drained soil. Avoid tidying every corner, especially through winter.
No pesticides
A sanctuary should be free from insecticides and herbicides. Healthy soil, varied planting and tolerance for a little imperfection support a balanced space.
A sanctuary is more than a hive
Installing a honeybee hive is a serious commitment and is not suitable for every site. Habitat-first action benefits wild bees too and can be started without specialist equipment.