Make a hibernaculum for frogs

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Thursday, 17 October 2019 at 5:09 pm

Create a cosy hibernaculum for hibernating frogs using recycled items from around the garden.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
At its best
To do

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on whatsapp
Share on blogger
Email to a friend

While male frogs head to the depths of the pond to spend winter, females and juveniles seek out damp areas. Create the perfect winter digs for them in autumn, using an old growing bag, grass clippings and autumn leaves.

The bag retains moisture to keep frogs' skins moist, while leaves and clippings insulate them from frost.

Watch our Quick Tips video guide to attracting frogs to your pond.

Here's how to make a frog hibernaculum.

You Will Need

Old growing bag
Grass clippings or soft plant prunings
Autumn leaves
Tree or shrub prunings
Garden spade

Step 1

Choose a sheltered spot that won't be disturbed. Dig a shallow trench the same size as the old growing bag. Lay the bag in the trench and gently firm the compost.

Step 2

Adding grass clippings to the top of the bag

Cover the bag with grass clippings or plant prunings, ensuring no unsightly edges of the bag are on view. Frogs love to squeeze into tight spaces, so pack the clippings down.

Step 3

Spread a thick layer of leaves over the top. If you've chosen a windy spot, add some twigs to hold the leaves in place. Leave the hibernaculum undisturbed until April.

Kate Bradbury says
Male frogs may also hibernate in the bottom of your pond, hiding in the mud. They can breathe through their skin, but if the pond freezes over noxious gasses, caused by decaying plant material, can become trapped in the water and poison the frogs. Remove decaying plant material from your pond in autumn, and float a tennis ball on the surface in winter, to stop it completely freezing over.