Put up Homes for Wildlife

We understand that for many of you out there, this criteria is perhaps the one you think will be the hardest to fulfil. Because it means being crafty, right? Using tools and bits of wood to fabricate bug hotels that look half decent.

But if we were to let you into a little secret? Bees and pollinators don’t care too much about the appearance of the space you give them to live in, as long as it contains the elements they need to nest and get comfy.

Which also means, you don’t need to be a dab hand with a saw and screwdriver to create something suitable.

In fact, you don’t need any tools at all. And most of the materials you’ll likely have lying around the house, already. We call that upcycling. 

First up, download our guide on how to make your own bug hotel for a simple four-step guide to pulling something together.

This gives suggestions on how to turn washed out tins and old plant pots into homes for wildlife.

Obviously, if you want to go the next level and produce something with wooden offcuts – such as the one pictured – go right ahead. But remember, it’s more the filling of your bug hotel’s “shell” that matters.

So what fillings work best for which pollinators?

For solitary bees. Opt for hollow stems – think old bamboo canes, large straws, blocks of wood with holes drilled into them.

For ladybirds. Bundles of dry sticks and twigs make cosy hibernation spots.

For lacewings. Roll up corrugated cardboards and place it inside something waterproof.

Still all sounding like too much hard work?

• Leave some bricks (the ones with holes in) lying around your garden, or fix them to a south-facing wall – mason bees will love sheltering in the gaps.
• Buy one online – we actually sell our bespoke bug hotels. They’ll be coming very soon to our online bft shop. Until then, drop us an email, to register your interest.
• Don’t tidy your garden/outside spaces. That’s right. Heaps of dry leaves, loose bark, pine cones, stones and dead wood make healthy habitats for wood-boring beetles, centipedes, beetles, woodlice, spiders and more.