Bug Hotels

A bug hotel is a shelter stuffed with natural materials, like hollow stems, pine cones, dry grass and bark, where insects and other minibeasts can hide, nest and see out the winter. Solitary bees, ladybirds, beetles, woodlice and spiders all move in. It's a small, satisfying build that does genuine good for wildlife, whether you've got a garden, a yard or a balcony.

Minibeasts love mess: dead wood, long grass, leaf piles and hollow stems. Neat lawns, patios and fences leave them short of places to crash. A bug hotel gives them a dry, safe spot near the plants they depend on. And they're worth looking after. Insects pollinate flowers and crops, and they feed birds, hedgehogs, frogs and bats. Good news for anyone looking for an excuse not to tidy the garden.

Hollow stems and bamboo canes are prime real estate for solitary bees, such as mason bees, which lay their eggs inside.

Pine cones and dry grass make snug nooks for ladybirds and lacewings.

Bark, twigs and small logs attract beetles, woodlice and centipedes, while stones and bits of broken pot create cool, damp corners.

Netting or mesh holds the whole thing together. Stick to naturally fallen materials and leave living plants where they are.

Pick a sturdy frame, like a large plant pot, a wooden box or a stack of old pallets. Pack it tightly with a mix of fillings, then add netting so nothing falls out. Personalise the outside if you fancy. Hang or place it somewhere sheltered and off the ground, near flowers. Then play the long game. Tenants can take a while to find you, but once they do, the reviews are glowing.

No problem. There's no wrong way to fill one, so it's a relaxed, hands-in-the-dirt kind of build. You'll forage, sort and stuff, picking up plenty of minibeast facts along the way. Many people find it oddly calming. You also get to feel quietly smug every time a bee moves in, which is a perk nobody talks about.

You might also like Bird Boxes, Beekeeping and Terrariums.

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