IVY BEES

The ivy produces its nectar-rich flowers in late autumn. These tiny blooms are clustered on 3-5cm diameter 'umbells' which sit on a stalk. These flowers are an important late food source for bees and other insects (observed, but not photographed, Red Admirals). This year, because of the warmer temperatures, our ivy has been festooned with a humming mass of ivy bees from mainland Europe.