Make a bee drinking station
By setting up a safe and refreshing drinking station, you’re helping bees and other small wildlife stay hydrated and healthy all year round.
Last edited: 24/03/2026
Before you get started
Activity toolkit
Items you need
- A shallow container (e.g. plastic tub or a plant saucer).
- Clean pebbles or small rocks.
- Rainwater (or tap water that has been left out for a few days).
Duke of Edinburgh
If you are using this activity towards your DofE hours:
Become the guide: Can you involve a younger sibling or family member aged 3-7 to help you build it? This is a great way to practice teaching animal welfare!
Elevate the design: Take it a step further. Can you engineer a drinking station that is biologically perfect for bees and looks stunning as a garden centerpiece?
Log your hours: Remember to download and complete your Duke of Edinburgh Worksheet [2 hours] to get your effort signed off.
How-to video
Instructions
Creating your drinking station
Making safe islands
Find a shallow dish (like a plant saucer) and fill it with a handful of clean pebbles, small rocks, or marbles.
Make sure the bottom is covered.
Serving the drink
Find a sunny spot right next to some blooming flowers.
Pour a shallow layer of water over the rocks, making sure the tops of the pebbles stay dry. (Note: Rainwater is best, or tap water left out for a day).
Daily checks
Make checking the water level a daily routine and remember to top it up with water when needed.
Inspect to see how many different animals are making use of your drinking station.
celebrate your achievement
Together, We’re Making an Impact
Sign up and upload a photo of your drinking station, and we’ll add +1 to our impact counter - showing how many of you are making a collective difference.