Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive, Tried and Tested. Comes with cleaning brush.

I bought this for my grandson as he'd been learning about bees at school in science. He was really pleased with it and he helped his Dad put it up.

Great addition to my garden

Very sturdy and easy to take apart. However, there are 3 negatives for me. Firstly, one of mine is cracked in the top section but this doesn't affect it's usability. Secondly, I am glad I took them both apart before using them as all the holes had lots of loose saw dust in them which I cleaned out. Thirdly, and probably the most serious, the top section of holes which you can't get to hadn't been smoothly drilled out so there were lots of thin shards of wood sticking into the holes which could be dangerous for the bees - used the cleaning brush to remove what I could but I may just block those holes up so they can't be used.

The Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive is an excellent, robust and well-designed resource and haven for your garden and home.I say the word 'haven' because it is just that a safe haven for solitary bees.The price is very fair for this hive which is made from good quality timber.It should, with a little forethought and care last you years and provide a nest for the bees as well as giving your flowers, garden and fruits a big boost whilst doing nature a big favour.The box is robust and requires no maintenance.To locate I would have it about 1 to 2 metres high on a warm wall or fence facing South- South East. Ideally close to flowing trees or plants.I located mine under the eaves if the roof to ensure the box is protected from the worst of the weather, snow or rain.That is really all you need to know it is a worthwhile and thoughtful investment- as a gift it is brilliant.Now the next bit is a little anecdotal and not essential to read but where else can I write this?About ten years ago I was fortunate to work as a supply teacher in a school in Stallingborough.We were doing a project on mini-beasts and I found the school had a professionally made 'solitary bees' hive.I screwed it to the wall on the classroom wall and was amazed that within a day the hive was used.During the rest of the next few months the hive was full.Now I considered myself quite well read on Mini-beasts – as a Primary Teacher I needed to be. But the hive and actually being able to observe the bees first hand was totally educating.The children learned a great deal too. If you have no idea what solitary bees are like you can 'google ' the subject yourself. But this is far better you get the opportunity to see and attract the bees first hand.Now solitary bees don't sting so they are safe for children, adults and the elderly alike.This hive will attract Orchard/Mason bees early in the season (the bees use mud to seal the grubs and eggs) later the holes will be used by leafcutter bees that use leaves rather than mud to seal theirs.Now I was amazed at just how small and ant-like solitary bees are. You really can see how the two species evolved from the same genus in the far past.By installing this box you really are helping wildlife so give your self a pat on the back and congratulate yourself.Thanks for reading.PostScript. I repositioned my beehive about 1-metre high on a South Facing Wall of the House.This was at the end of April. Within 2 days solitary bees started using the holes.Other 'hives' longs drilled with holes and cut bamboo canes have just been ignored.The key is location location location. Warm wall, and sunny South facing.I've enclosed a few photos showing close ups of the holes 7 filled by Mason Bees the 8th by leaf cutter.The hive is in constant use.PSS. One year later the bees have hatched. The males are the first to hatch and frantically try to break into the cells containing the females so they can mate. But the problem is that the new females have begun to lay a new brood so it is hard to know if and when to clean out the hive.Latest problem is a woodpecker has attacked the nesting holes in an attempt to eat the larva. Nature in the raw.Ppps.Noticed all the 'new hives' I put up have been used but this one seemed to have holes everywhere. I took the box apart and found that none of the holes had been reused.Could this because of the 'debris' left behind by this years hatchlings?Or the fact the all the bees seemed to be disturbed by the males/I have cleaned out the tubes and place the box in the shed and plan to put it up early in the new year.

Boight a few years ago as a present for the parents. It's still going strong, filled with baby bees every year

The ' Solitary Bee Hive' arrived earlier than expected and in perfect condition. The 'hive' is exactly as advertised and described by the seller. It is well-made from a durable wood, looks amazing and, I believe, is perfectly fit for purpose. It will live in the garden after Xmas and I look forward to seeing the first 'visitors' arrive! Thank you.

I have bought one of these each year for the last few years and now have several attached to my garden fence. I've tried all the other styles you can think of over the years, and these are definitely the easiest to clean and extremely popular with the bees. Don't be put off by the price compared with other styles like the bamboo stick ones - there's a reason those are cheaper - they simply aren't as good (e.g. the bamboo holes aren't deep enough or the right size, impossible to clean, the wood is thin and rots quickly, gets damp etc)... So - in my opinion these ones are 100% worth getting, and this is why I'll be sticking to this type from now on. Highly recommend.

Quality not brilliant, some levels are a little warped and quickly put together but with a bit of tender loving care it should be fine. There must be better quality ones out there somewhere but they are at least usable.