Construction of sheltered habitats

The other habitats which are described in this construction series, all allow wildlife to be viewed either in the open or in the water fairly easily. However there are many creatures which will only take up residence in the wildlife area, if they are assured of being undisturbed. There needs to be certain areas which are generally out of bounds to humans and away from the main thoroughfares of the project. They may even look untidy for a time, but will eventually blend in and disappear into the landscape. At Garforth we have placed these habitats behind or in hedges and in the woodland.
The Woodpile
Old timber and unwanted logs of 15-23cm. (6-9in.) diameter, can be piled up. Site them in a sheltered spot to prevent the wood from drying out. It may be worth having one or two piles near to pathways to help with some wildlife viewing. Use a mixture of native woods if possible, such as Elm, Oak and Ash. This will help to provide a habitat for a wide range of insects and fungi.
It is the fungi which will inhabit the pile first. Eventually it will be inhabited by spiders, beetles, wood wasps, solitary bees, slugs and snails. In turn, Wrens and Blackbirds will be attracted to the possibility of a meal. The insects will also provide food for mice, voles and hedgehogs. Newts and frogs will spend a lot of time in the damp shelter of the wood pile.

Grass and Leaf Piles
There needs to be somewhere to deposit fallen leaves, grass cuttings (from the mowing of the Wildflower Meadow for instance), unwanted plants, shrub prunings and twigs or small branches. These can be piled in some quiet corner of the wildlife area to encourage hedgehogs to take up residence. Pile up the twigs, branches and prunings directly onto the ground and simply add the other materials on top. Alternatively, construct a Hedgehog Box in which they could hibernate and cover it with the pile of leaves and grass etc.
If the above pile is situated in a dry and sunny area of your wildlife area, it may become warm enough to attract Slow Worms and Grass Snakes (both are harmless). If you could secure and camouflage, a sheet of corrugated metal, this could also become an attraction for such creatures. The sun would warm the metal 'tunnels' in which they like to rest.

Nettle Patch
A patch of Common or Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), obviously needs to be kept out the way of human visitors. The fresh leaves of this plant are the caterpillar food of the Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. This plant has a vigorous and spreading nature and you may like, or need, to restrict it by growing it in a sunken barrel or tub. This will prevent the roots from spreading into other parts of the area.