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I found this idea in a magazine, it looks very simple to make and I think it will make an interesting feature.
You will need
Lay the logs in a line and mark them using a cane and chalk, (I cut enough wood for two spirals).
Dig a pit that’s deep enough to hold at least half of your longest length (I hit very stony sub soil so mine was only a third of my longest length).
Start with the longest length in the centre of the pit and work your way outwards in decreasing heights.
When all the logs are in the pit, refill the pit firming the soil as you go.
Fill all the gaps with dead leaves.
Drill deep holes of various sizes in the outside logs.
I planted a few plants and added some mossy stones.
My logs weren’t freshly cut and they were closer to large sticks than logs, but something is better than nothing.
Also see wildlife stacks and insect homes!
Build it and they will come.
The wildlife spiral, is a brillinat idea. Thanks for posting the article WF.
Paul.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
I’ll post a photo when I’ve made mine, perhaps others can do as well. It will be interesting to see how we’ve done with the materials we have. My logs are nothing like those in the photographs and I know Kezmo has some logs which are shorter than those mentioned.
Kezmo, I can let you have plenty of leaves, ( spent three hours clearing leaves after weekend wind and rain) but it is the' freshly' cut logs I will have to search for. I will have to keep my eyes open for anyone having tree work done and then plead for logs or buy them.
Unknown said: the' freshly' cut logs I will have to search for.
As I make mine I’ll take photographs and post them here (it was my fault the original ones were removed, I shouldn’t have been lazy and just scanned the article)
Hi Brenda H
I went to my local wildlife reserve for the wood I got - admittedly we went there for a day out but then saw the logs for sale. I got a massive sack full for £6. There was alot more on offer but alas we didn't have enough room in the boot so had to curb my buying.
Thanks for the offer of the leaves, but the caretaker saw me right and I reckon I've got enough to see me through unless of course I go all creative and go BIG......ooooh multi-storey even!!!!
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Unknown said: the' freshly' cut logs I will have to search for. I have to admit I’m not following it strictly, I don’t have freshly sawn logs but I do have a pile of logs which were cut last autumn. As I make mine I’ll take photographs and post them here (it was my fault the original ones were removed, I shouldn’t have been lazy and just scanned the article) [/quote] Nah WF don't worry, you weren't to know. As the theme is creating a wildlife habitat I'm not really sure why the reference to "freshley cut wood" is important - surely the wood you have will do, and if you make the necessary holes any discerning insect will just love it! Regards Kerry http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
the' freshly' cut logs I will have to search for.
Nah WF don't worry, you weren't to know. As the theme is creating a wildlife habitat I'm not really sure why the reference to "freshley cut wood" is important - surely the wood you have will do, and if you make the necessary holes any discerning insect will just love it!
Kezmo, thanks, we live in a rural area so I am sure to find some. I have been clearing leaves, yet again, today.
WF, there isn't a problem. Thanks for posting everything originaly. I can remember the instructions and still see the pictures in my mind.
I built my spiral today, it was very easy. I didn’t have the ideal logs, they were closer to large sticks but I’m pleased with the end result.
I’ve posted photographs at the beginning of this thread.
There are bound to be some trees brought down by gales this winter so I can get some proper logs, and then I’ll build another.
You don't hang about do you? ☺☺☺ I'll bet you terrify your plants into growing fast!
Seriously, it looks brilliant - well done. I look forward to hearing how well it works - which I am sure it will.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Hi WF
Sorry, missed this thread WF
Love your 'spiral' idea and it blends in well with the garden area too.
I can see the bugs and beastes queueing up for that insect hotel - during the winter months in the cold weather.
It is like a mini block of flats LOL. {smile}
Kathy and Dave