Bee numbers are in decline, with pollinator populations growing smaller every year.

A big problem facing bees is a loss of suitable habitat - the creatures are losing the places they would usually use for nesting and breeding.

There are around 260 species of solitary bee in Britain, which don't have a hive and instead make their own nests.

Several of these species like to make their homes inside places like hollow plant stems or soft rotten wood.

Thankfully, it's easy enough to build your own bee habitat in your back garden to give the insects a comfortable new home.

The Royal Horticultural Society has shared tips to build a bee hotel with the kids

The Royal Horticultural Society has shared a simple set of instructions that's suitable for kids as well as adults.

You'll need only four things to build your hotel - a teracotta plant pot, some modelling clay, plastic straws or bamboo canes, and some string.

The instructions from the RHS are as follows:

  1. Cut the straws or bamboo canes to a length that fits the depth of your pot. If you are using bamboo canes you will need a grown up to carry out this part as it’s tricky.
  2. Tie the bundle of straws or canes together with a piece of string.
  3. Place some modelling clay in the bottom of the pot and stick the bundle of straws or canes in to the clay.
  4. Place the pot horizontally in your garden in a quiet place for the bees to move in.

If you're feeling productive and have plenty of space in your garden, you can stack several bee hotels alonside one another.

Other tips from the RHS to encourage pollinators to visit your garden is to plant pollen-rich flowers such as buddleia and hydrangea, and to leave water out for thirsty bees.

If you can grow a variety of plants that will flower all year round, even better - here's a handy guide.