How to make a home for stag beetles

in Home : Projects: Wildlife gardening

You will need

  • Bucket
  • Bark chippings
  • Soil
  • Craft knife
Do it: all year round
Takes just: 1 hour

Project categories

Overview

Stag beetles lay eggs underground near rotting wood. The larvae of these insects live in the wood for up to five years, before pupating to become adults. Help protect this endangered species by making a simple habitat for them.

How to do it

Cutting holes in the stag beetle bucket

1Use a craft knife to make holes about 3 cm across in the sides and base of the bucket.

2Choose an area of your garden that will not be disturbed and dig a hole to bury the bucket so that its rim is just below soil level. Loosely fill any gaps around the bucket with soil.

Filling the stag beetle bucket with bark chippings

3Place a few large stones in the bottom of the bucket and then fill it with bark chippings and a little garden soil.

Adam's tip

Over time, the contents of the bucket will rot down, so top it up with fresh bark chippings periodically.
Find out more about stag beetle conservation.

Discuss this project

Talkback: How to make a home for stag beetles
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ruffordian 24/11/2011 at 15:29

As a 'Retired' Nurse & D.I.Y. Fan the Illustrated use of a Stanley Knife to cut these holes is HIGHLY DANGEROUS!! Use a Plumbers 'Holecutter' on your Drill, Fill Bucket with Sand. Save spending time in A.& E. studying 'Suture Technique'!! [Hole-cutters are in Pound Shops or Market Stalls Very Cheap]
Safe Gardening.

Arthur