[Grecian Gardener]

We've just discovered we have a bees nest round the side of the house.  It's in a hole in the ground adjacent to the path.  We only use the path a couple of times a day to take the dog out so would prefer to let nature be and leave things to take their natural course.

My only concern is whether we are storing up trouble for ourselves by leaving it.  any advice would be much appreciated.

[Trillium]

Usually ground nests are only annual nests by either bumble bees or other types of bees. They don't make honey or anything and by fall the workers will die off and the queen will hibernate somewhere else. They're harmless unless you bother them, so wait until late fall when you see no more activity and then you can fill in the nest so that the queen has to look for a new home next year.

With so many honeybees being destroyed by chemical sprays, etc, it's very important to leave other pollinating bees alone so that crops can be pollinated.

[Kieronl]

We had one last year, they were happy for me to carry on working near them. But they did make me feel lazy at how busy they were and no stopping for a cuppa and a chat

[sunshineband]

We've got one just inside our greenhouse in the garden  -- bumble bees 

[Grecian Gardener]

Thanks for the replies, hopefully they will enjoy their stay on our estate!