Space For Nature
Garden biodiversity forum
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer

Reference: Garden Insect Books

Spacer
Title image

The Red Mason Bee

By Christopher O'Toole
Spacer
Ref image A practical guide to the red mason bee (Osmia rufa); its natural history and management as a pollinator in gardens, allotments and orchards.
SpacerSpacer
 Citation  
O'Toole, C. 2000. The Red Mason Bee: Taking the Sting Out of Bee-keeping. Banbury. Osmia Publications. ISBN 09539906 05.
SpacerSpacer
 Format  
Softback. 14x21cm. 34 pages.
SpacerSpacer
 Review  
This concise volume covers the natural history of the red mason bee as well as discussing the conservation of pollinating bees in general. The economic importance of pollinating bees is discussed and a convincing case is made for encouraging red mason bees in the garden as 'pollination' pets. They have a very mild sting which is exceedingly rarely used and although they nest in small colonies, they are actually solitary bees; both factors which increase their appeal as garden residents. O'toole describes the 'nester kits' which the Oxford Bee Company have designed to enable people to encourage these bees into the garden.

home Back to home page

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan Do you live in Merseyside? Interested in its wildlife?