How to make a bee bar to support pollinators during a heatwave

There’s nothing like a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day. And while you may plump for a frozen margarita, iced coffee or a refreshing smoothie, bees are in much need of a tipple, too.

This summer, wildlife experts want gardeners to set up a ‘bee bar’ in their wildlife gardens. Essentially a bee hydration station, bee bars are a simple and effective way to ensure that bees remain hydrated during the heatwave.

If you require bee-friendly garden ideas, read on, as I’m about to explain how you can create your very own bee bar and be rewarded with happy pollinators.

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What is a bee bar?

I doubt the heatwave has escaped your attention, and while we’re all sick of talking about it, I am inclined to mention that one of the main reasons to make a bee bar is that it’s one of the easiest ways to help pollinators in a heatwave.

And you don’t need a pub license either. Making a bee bar is as simple as adding some pebbles (£8, B&Q) to a dish and filling it with water, so bees have access to a fresh drinking spot in your garden.

‘A bee bar does what it says on the tin; it’s basically a bar for bees to hydrate themselves – except not with an Aperol spritz, but fresh water. Bee bars need to be accessible for pollinators, so make sure the water is shallow and small. A bee bar isn’t just a body of water like a bird bath, either; it needs landing places to make sure bees can land on it safely and easily. Fill it with pebbles, marbles or twigs to allow bees to access moisture without the risk of drowning,’ explains James Ewens, wildlife expert at Green Feathers.

As James says, adding pebbles is a really important step. It gives bees a safe spot to land and prevents them from drowning in ‘deep’ water. Because of this, you should also avoid filling your container to the brim.

‘Fill it halfway with water – depending on how shallow the dish is, aim for around an inch of water. Add your pebbles, stones, marbles or little twigs so they slightly protrude above the water to provide a landing platform. Place it in a quiet, slightly shaded area of the garden – preferably not near a walkway to avoid disturbing them. Then just keep the water replenished and keep an eye on our buzzing friends,’ adds James.

What are the benefits of having a bee bar

When water is scarce, bee bars have many brilliant benefits for bees – provided you keep your bar fresh and replace the water daily so that it doesn’t attract mosquitoes.

‘Bee bars are a great way to support bees by providing them with a safe place to drink and gather water for their hives. Urban environments and hot, dry weather can reduce the natural water sources bees usually rely on, making bee bars essential for their survival,’ says Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert from Vine House Farm.

‘Having a reliable source of water close to their hive means that bees will not have to fly long distances to find water, meaning they can conserve their energy for finding food and gathering nectar. Foraging bees will collect and use water to cool down their hive. The bees spread water through the hive, and as it evaporates, it cools the hive to protect the bees inside.’

Bees can also use the water to dilute honey if it is too thick or crystallised, and it will also attract more birds and butterflies to your garden as well. If you want to take it a step further, why not include your bee bar as part of a pollinator pitstop? This consists of planting bee-friendly plants in a container and adding a bee bar, so bees have somewhere to relax and recharge in your garden.

Make your garden bee-friendly

This wildlife-friendly DIY craft will genuinely take you a few minutes, and a tiny bit of maintenance every day – all worth it when it comes to supporting bees and other pollinators.