Trying to help solitary bees

Solitary bee emerging from tube and dropped pollen

For several years, at rosybee, we have been trying to support solitary bees by providing nesting tubes of various kinds in a 'bee hotel'.  Each year a few of the tubes are used but really nothing to get excited about.

Then this year I have invested a few new resources bought on-line; mostly bamboo cane tubes with nicely drilled holes of varied sizes. To my surprise the first new set of tubes was almost completely filled by the end of May. I got really keen and bought some more .........which have been completely ignored. I think I have now missed their 'nesting window' but at least I have managed to attract more than usual.