[Enfield Glen]

It appears that a colony of Bumble Bees have set up home in my wood panelled compost bin that has been maturing for the last year, it has a high straw content and is quite dry and they are coming and going about a foot above ground level in a gap in a corner.

Now I know from enquiring before the council have strict rules about setting up a hive but as the Bees chose me I don’t think I need permission. I am quite happy to leave them be but will they produce honey and how long will they stay there? Will I need to get someone to move them or will they move on of their own accord?

There is a local bee keeping society and I will also seek their advice.

Thanks
Glen

[NewSteve]

Bumblebees don't store large amounts of honey, so you'll be out of luck there. Not that you'd have been able to harvest it anyway - beekeepers have elaborate systems of trays to steal honey and replace it with sugar syrup, which you wouldn't be able to replicate in a natural nest.

The nest will not survive the winter, according to Wikipedia.

I think I'd let them stick around, if the loss of your compost bin isn't too much of an inconvenience.

Steve