How to Build a Wildlife Hotel
Siobhan Burke
March 2016
In the springtime, there are typically a lot more small wildlife in the average garden than during the colder months, but there are more predators as well! Safe hideaways can be difficult to find in some gardens. By building this wildlife hotel, you could provide shelter to anything from hedgehogs to toads, ladybirds to woodlice or even dragonflies.
This will take 1 to 2 hours and the structure will fit nicely into any size garden. Just make sure larger creatures (like hedgehogs) can enter your garden in the first place!
In the springtime, there are typically a lot more small wildlife in the average garden than during the colder months, but there are more predators as well! Safe hideaways can be difficult to find in some gardens. By building this wildlife hotel, you could provide shelter to anything from hedgehogs to toads, ladybirds to woodlice or even dragonflies.
This will take 1 to 2 hours and the structure will fit nicely into any size garden. Just make sure larger creatures (like hedgehogs) can enter your garden in the first place!
Step 1: Choose a suitable site
The ground needs to be level for the basic structure to stand firmly. Always keep the hotel away from vegetable beds. The location of the site will also influence which type of creatures you attract. Some creatures prefer cool, damp conditions while others like the sun. If you’re trying to attract a specific visitor, a little bit of research might be needed.
The ground needs to be level for the basic structure to stand firmly. Always keep the hotel away from vegetable beds. The location of the site will also influence which type of creatures you attract. Some creatures prefer cool, damp conditions while others like the sun. If you’re trying to attract a specific visitor, a little bit of research might be needed.
Step 2: Building the basic structure
The most important thing is that the framework is strong and stable. After that it’s up to you how large you want to build it. If you have less space you can make a smaller structure, in which case it’s advisable to start closer to the ground. |
Step 3: Filling the cracks
The general idea is to create nooks and crannies that can be used for shelter. Dead wood and loose bark is perfect for beetles, centipedes and woodlice. Holes and small tubes will attract solitary bees. Larger holes with stones and tiles will provide a cooler climate for frogs. Straw provides food for ladybirds, while corrugated cardboard will attract lacewings. A wooden box at the base will provide space for hedgehogs while dry leaves will mimic a forest floor.
The general idea is to create nooks and crannies that can be used for shelter. Dead wood and loose bark is perfect for beetles, centipedes and woodlice. Holes and small tubes will attract solitary bees. Larger holes with stones and tiles will provide a cooler climate for frogs. Straw provides food for ladybirds, while corrugated cardboard will attract lacewings. A wooden box at the base will provide space for hedgehogs while dry leaves will mimic a forest floor.
Step 4: Add the roof
Make sure that the stack remains stable throughout. Once you’ve built the stack high enough, you can add a roof to keep it relatively dry. Place your sheet of roofing felt on top of the tiles or planks.
Make sure that the stack remains stable throughout. Once you’ve built the stack high enough, you can add a roof to keep it relatively dry. Place your sheet of roofing felt on top of the tiles or planks.
Step 5: The finishing touches
Surround your hotel with nectar rich flowers, which will be essential food for butterflies, bees and other flying insects. You can even put up a small sign with a name if you want to prettify things even further.
Surround your hotel with nectar rich flowers, which will be essential food for butterflies, bees and other flying insects. You can even put up a small sign with a name if you want to prettify things even further.