MAKE A HIBERNACULUM

Now’s the perfect time to create a bespoke underground den for amphibians sleeping over winter.

You will need:

Logs, rocks and bricks (with no cement dust) Sand and/or bark chippings Pieces of plastic pipe Spade

FIND A SITE 1

Choose a quiet, undisturbed spot in the garden, preferably in shade, and dig a hole about 45-60cm (18-24in) deep and at least the same across, putting the spoil to one side.

FILL THE HOLE 2

Place the logs and rubble in the hole and loosely fill gaps with sand or bark as you go.

COVER WITH SOIL 3

Top the den with the soil you removed, using the pieces of pipe to create access points to the myriad tunnels and crevices beneath. Sow the surface with a wild meadow mix to create a more attractive surface.