Hibernacula are underground chambers that amphibians and reptiles use through winter to protect them from the cold. They provide a safe space for amphibians and reptiles to hibernate, as well as a spot for lone bees to soak up the sun and for birds to relax.

You will need:

• A spade
• Logs and branches
• Rocks and bricks
• 2-3 drainpipe cut-offs or cement pipes (if using plastic drainpipes, roughen the insides with sandpaper so that they are not too slippy for animals to climb
• Turf or meadow flower seeds (optional)

How to make your hibernaculum:

• In a sunny spot, dig a hole about 50 c deep and 1.5 metres across
• Fill with logs, branches, bricks and rocks, leaving plenty of gaps in between
• Insert entrance tubes (drainpipes) at ground level into the hole
• Cover the pile with soil (to about 50cm high)

You can plant meadow seeds or turf over the mound.