Bees in Winter

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) overwinter in hives, huddling round the queen to keep warm, occasionally venturing out on warmer days. Bumblebees (Bombus) on the other hand have an annual lifespan with new queens, having mated during the summer and autumn months, hibernating underground until spring when they can begin a new colony; also sometimes waking up too early on warm days and foraging.

However over the past 10 years, in urban areas of Southern England, a trend has been seen with certain bumblebee species.
Initially Buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), but since then Early bumblebees (Bombus pratorum) and Tree bumblebees (Bombus hypnorum) have begun to nest in winter rather than hibernate. Consequently winter flowering plants such as Mahonia and Winter Heathers (Erica), Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima), Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), Hellebores (Helleborus) and Snowdrops (Galanthus) are garden essentials; enabling these bees to access pollen and nectar during the colder months.

Solitary bees on the other hand will survive throughout winter in burrows or cavities as eggs, with their own supply of nectar and pollen close to hand (as the adults don’t survive winter). These include Mining and Mason bees which emerge early in spring taking advantage of Willow (Salix), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) in bloom. Leafcutter and Carder bees emerge later still. The one exception are Furrow bees; like Bumblebees, the female will hibernate during winter and lay eggs in spring.

I have noticed lots of Mahonias blooming over the last few weeks, their bright yellow flowers and perfume is wonderful to experience during dull days. Somehow the colour shines more vividly against grey skies.

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Another shrub that has been blooming recently is Viburnum farreri, it’s lovely scent wafting through the air too.