Building an Insect Hotel Habitat

Written by Administrator Friday, 26 February 2010

Our gardens are home to a wide range of living creatures. An average garden could hold over 2,000 different species of insect! With all this diversity of life it is good to know that very few creatures cause significant damage to our prized flowers, fruit and vegetables, the ones that gardeners call pests. Even better, there are many more creatures that help us control the pests.

By providing the right habitats we can greatly increase the number of beneficial insects in the garden. Some wild invertebrates, such as bumblebees and solitary bees, are declining in numbers in the wider countryside, so by providing homes we can contribute to their conservation.

Site of habitat

Many invertebrates like cool damp conditions, so our site is in semi shade under a tree, where it will be easier for small creatures to find. Bees like a warm sunny spot, so tubes for the bees will be on the sunniest side of the habitat.

The basic structure

We will use old pallets for the basic structure.  Our pallets will be all the same size, with the bottom pallet upside down, this should create larger openings at the ends, which can be used for a hedgehog house.

Where and When?

Ysgol Glan Morfa, Cardiff on Tuesday 23rd March at midday. Contact Debbie Gray on 0796 814 5508 for more information.