We’ve been installing RSPB bird boxes for birds and bees.

Did you know that bird boxes like these ones pictured above for Blue Tits and Great Tits can also provide a nest for Tree bumblebees later in the spring after the chicks have fledged. Tree bumblebees (Bombus hypnorum) like to nest high up, unlike other bumblebee species which nest below ground in old rodent holes, or just above ground in long grass.

Photo credit: reddishpink media

The Tree bumblebee queen creates a colony during the late spring/early summer. These colonies can be quite noisy but are pretty harmless if you leave them alone. The queen and her colony vacate the bird box in late summer so birds can use it again.

Although birds don’t start nesting until February, they may be looking for a suitable location now. So it’s the perfect time to put up a box. These boxes need to be 2-4 m off the ground and facing north or east.

I love birds and bees, so this is a win,win!!!

It’s just one of the way to help bees this month. More tips for identifying and helping bees in winter here.

Click here to watch a video about Tree bumblebees called Ginger Arrows by reddishpink media