A wildlife stack creates the right mix of habitats for a wide range of species, throughout the year.

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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.

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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

Laying the pallet on the ground
Laying the pallet on the ground

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

Laying terracotta pots and tiles on the pallet
Laying terracotta pots and tiles on the pallet

Arrange upturned plant pots and other materials in and on top of the pallet. Repeat the process with two more pallets.


Step 3

Fixing roofing felt to the top of the stack
Fixing roofing felt to the top of the stack

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

Adding logs to the top of the wildlife stack
Adding logs to the top of the wildlife stack
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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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