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, ladybirds, lacewings and bees.Untreated timberHollow canes such as bambooPieces of branch or other woodWood saw2.5cm nails and hammerDrill and wood drill bitScrewdriver and self-tapping screwall year round2 hoursMake a simple box using scraps of untreated

eggs? Collect old flower stalks or bamboo canes, follow our simple steps and you could be watching the fascinating insects in your garden this summer.A plank of untreated wood or ply at least 10cm wideA plentiful supply of hollow stems such as reeds

pleasing than a plank of wood). The holes need to be at least 10 and preferably 20cm deep, with a diameter of 4-8mm. Mind you, if you live in Leicestershire, drill holes 15mm across and you might get the massive carpenter bee, Xylocopa violacea.

at the front. Top up with compost and water well.To make the two bee hotels, drill several deep, 5-8mm wide holes into a 15-20cm long log, and fill an offcut of drainpipe with lengths of bamboo. Place among the plants.AdamChoose an open, sunny, sheltered site

wooden box filled with stems of sunflower, teasel and bamboo to make a solitary bee hotel.But that's no guarantee - wildlife can choose the most unpredictable places to live. This summer I visited some buff-tailed bumblebees nesting in a concrete path

Winter wildlifeMost garden wildlife hibernates over winter, as food is in short supply and freezing temperatures make life difficult. Learn how to help wild creatures through the cold winter months, below.In winter, wild animals and insects hunker