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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.
NandW said: Hi I completed my wildlife spiral today
Hi I completed my wildlife spiral today
Wow, this is fantastic, may I ask how many logs are used in this....? is it about 7..?
A very efficient use of space, there's quite a bit of log used but only a small amount of floor space used, and you have put leaves down the middle bit..? I have access to lots of pine cones, I guess those mixed in will add a bit of body to the centre of the structure.
I need to seek out about 7/8 straightish logs now. :-)
Hi Juno,
I used seven logs, but the amount can vary, a lot depends on the diameter of the logs mine were 3 to 4 inches smaller diameter could take more. The logs were close together in the spiral so the was not a lot of room between that is why the cracks were stuffed with fallen leaves.
Regards Derek
NandW said: Hi Kesmo and John Day, Kesmo you mentioned in your last reply on this thread something about a beetle den was this a project of a previous post or is it a ready made item, if it is home made do you know where I can find what original post it was on.
Unknown said: Hi NandW As this was WF's idea I should really let her tell you in more detail so over to you WF!
It seems I’m not good a popping in every day to keep up with the posts, sorry.
This is the post I think you are looking for
Here is another idea which is easy and cheep. I found this while thumbing through an old magazine.
A beetle bump
1. Beetles like well-drained, grassy banks so, if possible, build your mound on the lawn. Lift a patch of turf at least 50cm sq in area.
2. Loosen the soil with a garden fork. Ground beetles like plenty of space in the soil to provide a good habitat for them and their prey.
3. Mix in organic matter and partially rotted wood. Larvae and their prey will feed on this decaying matter and it will open up the soil structure further.
4. Scatter loose wood or bark across the mound and mix in to provide dark hiding places for nocturnal beetles and other beneficial creatures.
5. Cover the mound with turf, making sure it’s in contact with the soil to help it root. This will protect beetles from predators and hot weather.
6. Encourage grass on the mound to grow in tussocks by placing old tree branches on top to reduce the density of the grass plants