Bee Boxes?

without seeing the box you have in mind it is'nt possible to deduce if this is ornamental or practical. Proper man-made bee-hives are very specific in their inner construction & dimensions. What a superb idea to give a bee-hive as a gift, if you research these items you will know exactly what you are getting & for sure you will be helping conserve a much needed animal that is so beneficial to our well being & their's. You have got me thinking now Dean, I'm going to Google this very subject right now. I made a bat-box as a 60th birthday present for a couple last year & all the guest's at the party were intrigued & interested. This summer my eldest grandson & I made a bug-hotel ( I think there is a photo in my GoY album ) Always on the look-out for inspired gifts that help the environment, this one sounds a cracker. Keep well.

i wonder if you meen solitary bees dean as aposed to a bee hive ?

Thank you for your replies. I have tried to upload a photo of the type i am looking at but to no avail!

The description of the box is as follows if that it any help?

A Bumble Bee nesting box attracts the queen bees during early spring. The Bumble Bee Nester importantly, makes sure nesting bees are kept dry. It is constructed from thick durable FSC timber (most likely Western Red Cedar, Larch or Alder), The solid hinged overhanging roof keeps the nesting bees dry, but also can be opened to reveal an internal viewing window – which is removable. The vent holes provide good airflow, while the roof runners help to lift the box and reduce moisture.
There is a protective layer of waterproof matting on the lid so it does not need any particular weather protection.
Nest material, instructions and an excellent bumble bee guide are all included.

30 x 20 x 20cm high

well for what its worth im sure some insects bee or not will definatly use them so it will help some of mother natures life dean.