Page 11 - Bumblebee Conservation Trust Member Magazine Spring 2020

By Darryl Cox
Senior Science & Policy Officer

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Bumblebee Lettings

Are you a new queen looking for that ideal space to build your
colony? Here you will find the latest listings of the perfect places to
set up a nest this spring. Where will you make your bumble-abode?

1. Shed basement burrow 4. Rooftop residence 4 5 6
A cosy under-shed burrow, only one This modern rooftop apartment provides
previous occupant (mouse), tasteful an expansive open-plan living space,
homely interior decorated with shredded complete with newly installed fibre-
newspaper paper and an old plastic glass insulation to take the strain out of
bag, access to a beautiful garden with incubation. Tree bumblebee queens in
well-stocked flower beds and flowering particular will love the views from high
shrubs. Would be perfect for a ground- up under the tiles. The area is a hotspot
dwelling Buff-tail or White-tail queen for activity in early summer with a real
looking for room to grow a colony. community buzz. For more information on what bumblebees look for in a nest site and what to do if

2. Hedgehog house 5. Green Moss Avenue you find a bumblebee nest visit www.bumblebeeconservation.org/bumblebee-nests/
Set in an ideal location under a Secluded tussocks of long grass and a
hedgerow, providing great links to marvellous mossy mound make this the
local amenities, this once traditional ideal location for a canny carder bee to
hedgehog hibernation box has been set up home. With a little DIY, perhaps
repurposed to make a fine nest. Well- the addition of a thatched roof, this could
sheltered from the elements and with be the perfect place to raise a colony.
plenty of room for a growing colony,
most bumblebee queens would be lucky 6. Compost cottage The Ultimate bundle!
to call this place home. Newly emerged bumblebee queens will
love this snug and comfortable abode
3. Bird box boulevard that benefits from the warmth of rotting
This former blue tit house comes pre- vegetable matter which provides the
furnished with warm nesting material advantage of conserving energy and
and would be suitable for the most keeping the whole colony warm during
discerning bumblebee queen. A sturdy cold nights. This dream colony location
structure at a good height, the nest is not likely to be on the market for long.
box has a single entrance and is well-
positioned amongst flowering trees and
a fence line which links to the local park.
bumblebeeconservation.teemill.co.uk/

10 Photo: Constructing a 11
bumblebee nest