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Siting a bee hotel. I'm totally confused

B3B3 Posts: 27,505
in Wildlife gardening
I bought a bee/ insect hotel a while back and read the instructions.
Sunny spot: I can place it at any aspect, but south is the sunniest and I reckon they'd toast.
Sheltered spot: what does that mean? Sheltered from wind or rain, it's unlikely to be particularly sunny if I put it under shelter from rain
Near plants: in amongst climbers or just near a bush or near something for pollinators?
I can put it in pretty much any location or situation, but I havent a clue😐
Am I over thinking this or should I just build it and they'll come?

In London. Keen but lazy.

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I wouldn't worry too much. A south / south east siting that gets morning sun, is supposed to be best, as the bees need warmth to get going first thing. A sheltered spot might be under an overhang - not in a wind tunnel. If you have good flowers for bees in your garden, that should be fine.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Morning sun. I can do that.. Thanks @Fire
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    B3......If you have an allotment you can visit there should be different types and people you can ask.

    I made 2 and attcahed them to my allotment shed facing SSW with a roof to provide an overhang so the rain does not accumulate and drip onto the tubes.

    There is a little landing ledge for them to land.

    Imagine if you were a bee what would you want.

    There are so many solitary bees that you will surely help some of the types.

    Photos please B3 when its open for business.
    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Here it is. Not open for business yet 
    I can definitely  do SSW.  Well, pretty  much any  direction  really 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Looks like a nice pad for self-isolation, @B3...
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Solitary B3
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Ho ho...   :D
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    GW magazine page 151 warns not to include pine cones. They provide habitat for spiders that eat bees.
    Southampton 
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