How to build a wildlife stack
Find out how to make a home for wildlife in four easy steps, with the help of our practical guide.
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A wildlife stack creates the right mix of habitats for a wide range of species, throughout the year.
No room for a wildlife stack? Then find out how to make a bee hotel.
Creatures such as centipedes, bumblebee queens and beetles need a cool and dry shelter to winter in, so the nooks and crannies within a bundle of sticks or pine cones make a perfect retreat.
Amphibians might rest among stones and roof tiles, while holes drilled into logs and posts will lure spiders, plus nesting solitary bees in spring and summer.
A homemade wildlife stack is easy to make, from salvaged or reclaimed materials and items from around the garden. Follow our four simple instructions for making one.
You Will Need
- Wooden palettes (3)
- Small terracotta pots (10)
- Pine cones
- Bricks and stones
- Logs
- Roof tiles and felt
- Drawing pins
- Sticks or bamboo canes
- Hollow plant stems like sunflower and fennel
Step 1
Choose a location that is out of the way and lay your first pallet on the ground, making sure that it lies level.
Step 2
Arrange upturned plant pots and other materials in and on top of the pallet. Repeat the process with two more pallets.
Step 3
Fix a layer of roofing felt over the top pallet with drawing pins. Leave some felt hanging over the side to keep things dry.
Step 4
Decorate the top of the stack wiith pine cones, logs and roofing tiles, packing in as much as possible.
Place your home near wildlife-friendly plants
Locating your wildlife home near wildlife-friendly plants will ensure it soon lures guests in.
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