Bee hotels bring a buzz to Gawler

Something exciting is buzzing along the Gawler River, with new bee hotels popping up across the precinct.

A bee hotel is a human-made structure that provides small hollows where native bees can nest, rest and breed.

The habitats are part of the Town of Gawler’s Community Bee Habitat Project and provide safe places for bees to nest and breed. They also create an opportunity for the community to learn more about the small but important role native bees play in the local environment.

Next time you are walking, riding or exploring the river trails, keep an eye out for the new bee hotels. You can scan the QR codes at the sites to learn more and share photos of the bee hotels with Council.

Australia is home to more than 2,000 species of native bees, with an estimated 300 species found around Gawler and the surrounding Mount Lofty Ranges.

Unlike introduced European honeybees, native bees generally live alone rather than in large colonies and do not produce honey. They are also generally shy and unaggressive.

Native bees play an important role in pollinating fruit trees, vegetables and native plants. Many wildflowers and native plants rely on native bees for pollination.

The new habitats along the Gawler River Precinct are helping create a more welcoming environment for native bees while giving the community a chance to spot these fascinating creatures in action.

Find out more at Town of Gawler.