Underground Bees

[Monkster]

Hi all
We have just taken over an allotment and are in the process of putting a shed up when we noticed 2 small bees going into the ground. When we were watching them they didn't seem to go too far in and there were only 2 of them, but now we are wondering what to do about them as the hole is only a few inches from the door.
Do you think they are about to make a nest or already have one established there? And would we be able to dig it out or should we leave it?
Here are a couple of shots of the bees and the concealed hole they are going into.





Any ideas on the bees too, they were quite small in size. I was wondering whether they were tawny mining bees?
Any thoughts gratefully received.
Thanks
Suzanne

[JRsbugs]

You have Bombus pascuorum, a bumble bee. They only make small nests, won't bother you so I would just enjoy watching them. The colony will die out towards the autumn.

Janet

[Monkster]

That's excellent news Janet and much better than I'd anticipated.
We were round and about all afternoon and never noticed them and then when we did they just carried on with their business, even when I was stood over them taking photos they just seemed so placid.
I am really pleased that they can stay and we definately won't bother them.
Thanks for your quick reply too!
Suzanne