Bee Scrape
Overview
Bee Scrapes are just that – a scrape that reveals bare earth on an earthen bank where solitary bees can burrow and lay their eggs. We recommend creating at least a 1 metre x 1 metre sized bee scrape.
Creation
Bee scrapes can be created by removing excess vegetation from a south-facing hedgerow bank and exposing the bare soil required for the bees to burrow into. An area of 1 metre x 1 metre will suffice but the more you can provide the better.
Management
Keep the scrape clear of vegetation by manually scraping to expose bare soil. Keep the area free of pesticides.
Benefits
Bee scrapes provide the nesting habitat required for solitary bees and other insects to nest. Look out for the “drill holes” that can be seen once occupied.
Further Information
Further information can be found on page 10 of our publication – “The BRIDE Project EIP Farm Habitat Management Guidelines” – link HERE