Three ways to create a dead wood habitat
Dead wood is a fantastic garden habitat, providing food and shelter for a wealth of wildlife. Follow our guide to creating deadwood habitats in your own garden.
Dead wood habitats, such as log piles and wood stacks, can support a surprisingly wide range of garden wildlife.
Some types of beetle will use the wood to feed and breed, while woodlice, centipedes and millipedes may take shelter in the dark, damp conditions it provides. They in turn will attract predators such as hedgehogs, toads, mice and birds.
Read on to discover three simple ways to create dead wood habitats for wildlife.
Log piles
First, find a spot where your log pile is unlikely to be disturbed. To create it, partially bury the logs, as some types of beetle feed on decaying wood beneath the soil's surface. Ensure there are nooks and crannies for insects and mammals, and fill any gaps with dry leaves.
Wood stacks
Start by erecting four wooden posts in a rectangle, then fill the space with pieces of wood, such as logs and twigs. Place big pieces such as logs at the bottom, then add twigs and clippings on top.
Wooden fences
Either buy a wooden fence or make your own by erecting sturdy posts in the ground and then weaving branches in between them - you can nail these in place for a fixed fence, or leave them to move naturally as they gradually break down together. To allow the fence to rot down gradually and provide the most habitats for wildlife, don't treat the wood with preservative.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
