A wildlife stack creates the right mix of habitats for a wide range of species, throughout the year.
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.
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
Choose a location that is out of the way and lay your first pallet on the ground, making sure that it lies level.
![Laying the pallet on the ground Laying the pallet on the ground](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/07063523-1fb1-4156-ad05-8fec6a505e5f-104fcd5.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
Step 2
Arrange upturned plant pots and other materials in and on top of the pallet. Repeat the process with two more pallets.
![Laying terracotta pots and tiles on the pallet Laying terracotta pots and tiles on the pallet](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/e6f9d77c-9748-48fe-9d7f-08470083c2cb-b03b845.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
Step 3
Fix a layer of roofing felt over the top pallet with drawing pins. Leave some felt hanging over the side to keep things dry.
![Fixing roofing felt to the top of the stack Fixing roofing felt to the top of the stack](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/76e6bc8e-c40e-440f-93f9-3724f4895beb-31a86cc.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
Step 4
Decorate the top of the stack wiith pine cones, logs and roofing tiles, packing in as much as possible.
![Adding logs to the top of the wildlife stack Adding logs to the top of the wildlife stack](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/10/2018/02/5ff5e580-dbdc-4498-9049-b54e8acadb04-84e296d.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
Place your home near wildlife-friendly plants
Locating your wildlife home near wildlife-friendly plants will ensure it soon lures guests in.
![Bug house Bug house](png/101afb30-5f72-4f45-b504-a980f8efb58e-770f665116c.png)