Bumblebee Nests
I have fond memories of finding, then observing a bumblebee nest as a child. However, before I tell you all about that, as well as about bumblebee nests in general, I should perhaps say: - if you have found a nest and don’t know what to do about it (or how to move it if necessary), - if you want to know how to make artificial nest sites, However, I'd encourage you first to have a quick read of this page for some general information and background.
Nests are established by an impregnated queen after she has emerged from hibernation and has refuelled herself with nectar and pollen. The nectar will provide her with much needed energy, whilst the pollen will help her ovaries to develop. Once she has recovered from her winter snooze, she’ll go looking for suitable nest sites. You can tell when queens are prospecting for nest sites: you may see them flying close to the ground, sometimes in a zig-zag pattern, seeking out a suitable spot. They may hesitate or land at shady spots in the garden, or beneath the shed. Some species are happy to nest higher up, and so you may see them hovering around the windows of your house. Again, they are attracted to the shade, in case it signals a ready-made cavity where there might be a suitable site for a nest. 
For a variety of reasons, bumblebees have suffered greatly because of habitat destruction. Not only have they lost valuable foraging sites, they have lost nesting sites too. How come? 
Modern farming practices have resulted in the grubbing up of many hedgerows. The base of hedgerows provide ideal places for small rodents and voles to make their nests. Fewer hedgerows means fewer small mammals, and so fewer available nest sites. 
Again, for the sake of modern farming practices or for the sake of building and road development, many of the kinds of landscapes providing tussocky grasses (with abundance of flower foraging sources) that provide suitable spots for surface nesting species, have been lost. For example, in the UK, an astonishing 98% of such landscape has disappeared! Meadows and grasslands have been lost to the detriment of many bumblebee species.
Woodlands, again because they provide a rich diversity of flora and fauna, provide great habitats. However, it is well known that we have lost many of our woodlands, again for the sake of ‘development’.
The lack of available nest sites has definitely had a very negative impact on populations of bumblebees. Some species however, have been able to adapt somewhat, through necessity, whilst for others this has not been possible. It’s important to note that fewer than half of colonies are successful, and nest disturbance is a significant factor, whether through human activity or predators. However, we humans can help, by creating nest sites in our gardens. We will benefit greatly when they pollinate our plants (especially our soft fruits, tomatoes and beans). They are very docile and will only rarely sting if they feel very threatened. If you’d like to know how to create nesting sites,or if you want to know more about which species like to nest where, keep coming back, as I'm adding new content daily. 
Bumblebee nest removalIf you have no choice but to remove a bumblebee nest, find out how to do it safely and humanely here. 
Bee Nests Q&AHere you'll find out more useful information about bee nests, with a handy Q&A. 
Bee removal If you need to know about bee removal, see this link before you call in the so-called experts. You could save yourself time, money and effort. Find out how to get assistance for free. 
Bumblebee pollinationBumblebees are outstanding pollinators. We need them in our gardens and in our countryside. They are excellent polinators of many fruits that require 'buzz pollination'. Learn more here.
Cuckoo bumblebees Cuckoos are known for laying their eggs in the nests of other birds. But did you know that there are species of cuckoo bees too! Find out more here. 
Bee plantsTake a look at all these great lists of brilliant bee plants. Here you'll find calendarized lists of plants to attract all kinds of bees into your garden.
Save the Bees!Bees have been going through a hard time lately. We need to help them. Here are 10 simple things you can do to help save the bees. Why not share them with your friends and family?
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