Making a beetle stack is a way of providing beetles and many other insects with shelter through the winter. This stack is simple to make and costs next to nothing, but will make a world of difference to garden wildlife.

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You Will Need

  • Straight shrub and tree prunings
  • Bamboo cane, short
  • Secateurs
  • Raffia, or string
  • Fallen leaves

Total time: 30 minutes


Step 1

Gathering winter prunings
Gathering winter prunings

Save straight prunings, up to pencil thickness, from shrubs and trees. Cut to 40cm long and remove any side shoots.


Step 2

Stacking the prunings together
Stacking the prunings together

Push a cane into the ground and build up four layers of prunings in a square around the cane. Tie them at the corners.


Step 3

Securing the frame
Securing the frame
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Layer with smaller squares to make a pyramid and tie the corners as you go. Fill with leaves and secure frame to the cane.

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Kate Bradbury says

Beetles will benefit from this shelter in winter, but why not leave the structure in place throughout the year? You’ll provide a home for a variety of insects, small mammals and amphibians, which will be on hand to eat garden pests such as slugs. Simply top up with leaves once a year.
Kate Bradbury
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