Bee Posts: Habitat for Solitary Bees

These bee posts provide nesting sites for native solitary bee species. Each post is made from sustainably-sourced timber, usually Scottish larch, untreated and allowed to weather naturally to a silver-grey colour. Solitary bees are peaceful, do not swarm, and have no interest in stinging people.

How They Work

Solitary bees need dead wood with existing cavities to nest. Our landscapes are desperately short of dead wood which tends to get tidied away, so our posts are essentially simulating standing deadwood environments. Each post contains holes drilled to specific dimensions:

  • 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm diameters to accommodate different species

  • 9-16cm depth: the deeper holes made possible by the enlarged head section ensure the right conditions are possible for female bee larvae, which need deeper holes

  • The substantial dimensions mean that the posts maintain structural integrity for many years

  • The design of the post is unique and ecologically-informed, exclusively provided by Tom Angel Studio

Target species include red mason bees, leafcutter bees, and yellow-faced bees. You'll know the post is being used when you see mud-plugged holes (mason bees) or neat circular leaf pieces at hole entrances (leafcutter bees), typically from April onwards.

Construction & Installation

The timber is sustainably sourced timber, usually Scottish Larch, chosen for its durability, cosmetic appearance and overall suitability. Posts are available in 1.8m, 2.5m, and 3m heights with 120mm square stems and larger head sections. Installation options include concrete footings, met posts, or dry stone depending on site requirements. For optimal bee activity, posts are positioned in south-facing locations with morning sun exposure wherever possible.

Applications

Bee posts are ideal in multiple situations, with the only requirement being that they receive at least a few hours of sun during the day (when weather allows!)

  • Focal features in wildflower meadows

  • Biodiversity installations on commercial site

  • School and university grounds

  • Business campuses

  • Residents’ Gardens

  • Private gardens looking to increase bee habitat

Are you interested in getting a bee post installed yourself? Call Tom Angel Studio on 0141 432 1141 to discuss your requirements and arrange your ecological site assessment.

All bee posts handcrafted by trusted joiners to Tom Angel Studio's exclusive design and specifications, combining 20+ years horticultural expertise with ecological surveying qualifications for optimal wildlife habitat creation.