Creating a place that helps all types of bugs and others creatures is a lovely way to help re-home them. The aim of bug hotel is to combine natural materials into a home for all little creatures. This allows children to better understand nature, their environment and to express their creativity.
Resources
- Pallets
- Rocks/Stones/Bricks/Slab
- Pine Cones/Dead Wood/Dry Leaves
- Elder Stems
- Chicken Wire/Wire Cutters
- Spade
- Hammer/Small Fencing Staples
Explanation
The bug hotel is a collection of the bee B&B , deadwood den , pine cone palace , and rock retreat . It focuses on many different creatures in each layer. Start by making a shallow depression in the ground for the frogs/toads, then place over the top either a slab or a upside down pallet. You then fill each layer with the same kind of material until flush then repeat by adding a layer.
When you get to the top you could put a piece of plastic sheeting or place a few layers of hay, then add soil and finally place wild grasses/flowers or just turf. Equally you could put a roof on the top of the bug hotel, meaning either a few slabs go on top or a pallet. With the pallet you will need to take off one side so it has a natural angle and allows water to run off.
Remember you can place chicken wire around each layer and attach using small fencing staples, so that every layer is secure.
Safety Tips
Make sure your adhering to best practise with regard to tool management and safe lifting. Be mindful when lifting slabs and beware of fingers and toes when placing them down.