Winter in waiting

Before the Autumn has time to prepare us for winters grip think about helping our overwintering invertebrates. They have had a very bad year this year with the continuous extremes of wet and cold weather so the over wintering population is more precious than ever. Leaving old assorted tree logs in a sheltered place is fantastic as is making an insect tower from wooden pallets stuffed with various mediums (see an earlier blog entry). If you do not have the space for either you can buy various different small insect houses from places like garden centers. You can also make something cheaper at home with your children or at school with your class. Invertebrates require shelter to protect and hide themselves in. Natural materials work best such as sticks, tree bark, straw and leaves to name but a few. There will need to be tiny gaps so the invertebrates can get in and move around so do not pack your materials in too tight. You will need a net to keep everything together and a roof as well as a base to protect the 'house' from deterioration. It is so easy and fun that the children will love to build their own - remember to put them somewhere sheltered such as  under a hedge, bush, behind the garden shed or greenhouse. Many of the insects you are helping to overwinter will be beneficial in your garden next spring too!

Using Birch log rounds, dark green plastic garden mesh, moss, leaves and bark these children have made tiny habitats ideal to help overwintering invertebrates. The mesh was attached using a staple gun. The children learnt about habitats, materials, insects, design and craft - they also all got something to take home (including pride in their project) - fabulous!