Creating a Bee Water Station

A simple, gentle way to support pollinators — and a lovely activity to share with children

Bees do quiet, essential work in our gardens, and one of the easiest ways to support them is by offering a safe place to drink. A bee water station is simple to make, requires very little upkeep, and gives children a beautiful way to connect with nature.

What You’ll Need

In my own garden there are 4 little bee watering stations as well as 1 larger one scattered throughout the garden. Creating more than 1 station makes for some happy bees and encourages the shy ones to hang around as well as there is less competition

• A shallow dish or bowl (ceramic, terracotta, or stone)

• A handful of small pebbles or stones

• Clean water (rainwater is ideal, or tap water left to stand)

• A shady, sheltered spot in the garden

That’s all you need — no special tools or equipment.

How to Set It Up

1. Choose a calm location - Pick a spot that’s protected from wind and direct midday sun.

2. Add stones to the bowl - These give bees a place to land and prevent drowning.

3. Add water carefully - Fill just enough so the stones are partially submerged.

4. Place it gently and leave it - Bees need time to notice and trust a new water source.

Why having more than one water station helps

Creating several small water points around your garden is even better than having just one.

• It reduces competition between bees and other insects

• It allows timid or smaller bees to drink safely

• It spreads access across different parts of the garden

• It mimics how water naturally appears in the landscape

Multiple small stations are easier to maintain and far more inviting than a single large one

A Lovely Activity to Do With Children

Creating a bee water station is a gentle way to help kids connect with nature.

Children can:

• Choose the stones or shells

• Help pour the water

• Watch quietly for visiting insects

• Learn why bees need water to survive

It encourages patience, empathy, and curiosity — and often becomes a favourite little ritual.

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Keeping the water fresh is simple:

• Top up daily in hot weather

• Refresh every 2–3 days in cooler weather

• Rinse the bowl weekly (no soap needed)

• Remove leaves or debris as needed

Fresh water keeps bees safe and prevents mosquitoes from breeding.

Bee-Friendly Garden Checklist

Use this as a gentle guide — no need to do everything at once.

☐ Provide shallow water

☐ Avoid pesticides and chemical sprays

☐ Leave some flowers to bloom fully

☐ Allow leaf litter and natural shelter

☐ Place water in quiet, shaded areas

☐ Refresh water regularly

A Final Thought

You don’t need a perfect garden to help pollinators — just a little care and consistency. Small actions, repeated often, create safe spaces where life can thrive.

Kat