Tail-Enders Build a Hibernaculum Hibernacula is the name given to winter refuges that animals use to hibernate inside. They take the form of underground or above ground chambers and can easily be added to your garden, in a carefully considered location, by following these simple steps. If you decide to give this a go in the late winter months be careful not to disturb any creatures who may still be hibernating. You will need:
Bricks
Rocks
Logs
Spade (if digging the underground version)
Sticks Seeds and/or turf
Drain pipes - cement is preferable to provide a grippy
surface. If using plastic, gently roughen the inside using sandpaper leaving no sharp edges.
Branches
Step 1
Step 2
Choose a sunny, flood free spot. If the soil is dry, with good drainage, dig your hole about 50 cms deep and at least a metre wide. 1.5 metres is preferable. If you have clay or wetter soil you will need to create your structure above ground, ideally on a gentle slope to avoid saturation.
Fill the hole securely, with the materials you have gathered, to avoid collapse. Leave lots of gaps and spaces for animals to crawl in to and slot your drain pipes in, making sure the pipe entrance is at ground level. Cover the hole with soil and pile up to about 50 cms to make a mound. Scatter your seeds or lay turf across the top.
Tail-Enders
If constructing above ground, make a secure pile with your materials, leaving gaps for animals to crawl in to and entrances around the outside, not too big or it will be too draughty. Cover the mound generously with soil, lay turf across the top and scatter your seeds.
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Step 3 Add some amphibian and reptile friendly features to your garden, if you haven’t already, to welcome your guests.
