Queen bees emerging
As the first spring flowers begin to show and the days get warmer you may see large bumblebees slowly buzzing around. These are queens that have survived over winter by hibernating and are now in search of suitable nest sites. They will also be searching for nectar and pollen to turn into food for their first hatching eggs of the year. Bumblebees are generally ground nesting, often making a nest within the leaf litter under a hedge or making use of abandoned mouse holes. They don’t form huge colonies like some other bees, with nests often only around the size of a grapefruit.

Nature's pollinators
Bumblebees are sadly in decline in Britain due to the loss of suitable habitats and food plants. There are 15 true bumblebee species of which 6 can be commonly spotted in your average garden. They are not aggressive and will only sting as a last line of defence. Bumblebees play an important role in the countryside and garden by pollinating flowers and as such should be a welcomed addition to any garden.

Bumblebees in the garden
Encourage bumblebees in your garden by planting spring-flowering bulbs (such as crocuses), pussy-willow, winter heathers, sallow or mountain windflower to provide food for young nesting queens. Plants such as summer heathers, buddleia, honeysuckle and crab apple will provide summer food for her workers.

Bumblebee nest boxes
This is a good time to be placing bumblebee nest boxes. Choose warm, dry, sheltered places, preferably south-facing but shaded from direct sun to place a box. On the ground in hedges, on the edge of woodland or by woodpiles are good locations. Underground boxes simulate abandoned mouse nests - these mimic natural bumblebee nest habitats, and are also ideal for use in public spaces as there is less risk of vandalism. Nest boxes should be lined with corrugated cardboard to absorb excess moisture and then nesting materials such as dry grass, straw or moss should be placed on top.