Build a bee and bee
Can you help to look after our buzzy friends? Bees are incredibly important to your local ecosystem as they pollinate many trees and plants.
Can you build a bee hotel to provide them with a safe space near where you live?
Scroll down for more info
What to do
- Gather the bamboo canes and stems of different diameters. With the help of an adult, use secateurs to cut these to the correct length to fit inside your chosen container. Try to ensure there are no sharp bits on the canes and stems that bees could catch themselves on.
- Slot the canes and stems into your chosen container so it is tightly packed.
- If you would like to paint your container a nice bright colour or with a design, now is the time!
- Use the string to secure your bee hotel to a location outside. You could attach it to a tree or garden fence – just make sure it’s at least one meter off the ground and well secured. If it is close to some of a bee’s favourite flowers, even better.
- Keep a look out for visitors to your bee hotel. Over time you may notice some of the holes have been filled with mud or leaves which means bees have started to lay eggs there!
What you need
- Hollow bamboo canes and stems (collect ones of different diameters)
- Container (a tin can, wooden box, or small plant pot will work well)
- Secateurs (ask an adult to help with any cutting)
- String
- Optional - Animal friendly paints
Tops tips!
- Place your bee hotel in full sun or partial shade and try to keep your bee hotel dry where possible.
- It is better to have multiple small bee hotels rather than one large one, as this helps to stop the spread of diseases.
Complete the Challenge
Send your completed sheet or your photos of it to info@youngvetsclub.com and they could be featured in an upcoming magazine!
