There are around 250 different species of solitary bee in Britain and a surprising number of these inhabit our gardens.
The Red Mason bees are the most common, nesting in cracks in walls. Tawny Mining bees nest in holes dug underground. Leaf Cutter Bees nest in any hole they can find, above or below ground.
Many species of solitary bees are efficient pollinators, some being specialised in pollinating certain plants.