Our Estate Manager Kevin Sweet has created our first Ashdown Park Bee Hotel using the Warner Edwards' Gift of Nature Gin Box!
Warner Edwards, est. 2012, is a fantastic innovative UK based distillery offering an amazing range of flavours & a true conscientious approach! With sustainability and nature at the forefront of their minds, their Christmas 2018 gift boxes, 'Gift of Nature Box' was designed to be easily upcycled as a bird box or transformed into a Bee Hotel, as per the how-to below!
You will need the following;
1 x Warner Edwards gift of nature box
Scissors
Garden twine
A bundle of bamboo canes (foraged stems can also be used such as; teasel, cow parsley or elder)
Ruler
Hand saw
Time to create:
1. Measure and cut bamboo canes into 9cm sections
2. Insert cane sections into gift of nature box
3. Continue adding canes packing them into the box until they begin to hold themselves as the box becomes full
4. Tap the last cane in firmly to secure all canes secure inside the box
Top Tip:
Canes have a series of nodes along the stem which will blank off the tube or reduce the nesting space for bees. Make sure this node is closest to the back of the box so the bees can utilise the length of the tube for nesting.
Where to place your Bee Hotel:
Place your Be Hotel in a sunny area, approximately 1-2m above the ground, and secured so it does not swing in the wind.
What to look out for:
Mason bees and leafcutter bees are most likely to take up residence and do not sting, they should start looking to nest between March-July.
Please do share your Bee Hotels on social media and add #WEUpcycle, so Warner Edwards can see your creation!
If you haven't already, you can try Warner Edwards Gin and their tasty cocktails with us during your visit!
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