How to build a log pile for wildlife
Log piles in gardens make fantastic additions that will support a wide range of wildlife, moss, fungi, insects and other invertebrates. Here is a quick summary of exactly how to create your log pile. You may have seen famous garden designers such as Nigel Dunnett include stretches of log walls to create both decorative impact as well as a home for biodiversity. However, don’t think that your log pile needs to be worthy of a garden designer’s efforts, the insects will be happy regardless!
First off you need to decide where to position your log pile. Keep it away from the base of buildings or trees, and choose a semi-shady spot – if it is too sunny the wood will dry out. It helps to place the log pile near to a pond so, improving the chances that it may make a perfect hibernation spot for frogs and toads, who will also enjoy the insects that live in the log pile too. If you are working from a garden design, or thinking about employing a landscape gardener at some stage, it is worth thinking about how the positioning of the log pile will fit into the overall garden design.
When finding and choosing logs, don’t take them from the natural environment. You’re best off seeing what is already lying round your garden, and asking friends and neighbours who might be able to help. Tree surgeons are another port of call, where you may be able to procure cheap or even free wood that will be suitable. Try to make sure some of the wood still has its bark on, and then you can set about stacking logs of different sizes on top of each other. You can stop them rolling away by driving a stake into the ground on both sides. In order that the wood stays damp, bury the lower logs a couple of inches into the soil, and you can even water the pile with the hosepipe if it looks like it might be drying out. Remember that gaps between logs are also important – many creatures live and hide in these spaces. Remember that even if you only have a small garden, there are still options - just one or two logs, part-buried or even just sitting on top of the soil are enough to provide a home for a range of species. Another idea for providing great biodiversity habitats is to leave existing wood that to decay where it is; also leaving lying or standing dead wood after trees have been cut down or shrubs have died is also a great idea, as long as they are safe.
Once you have built the log pile, let nature take its course, don’t move or take your log pile apart, simply let it rot down over many years. You can always add to the log pile, just make sure you are not blocking off any exits or hidey holes.
Garden designers and landscape gardeners in Glasgow and beyond will be happy to set aside space for you to build a log pile, or you could have a professional biodiversity feature installed. Here at Tom Angel Studio we can build or install pre-fabricated insect hotels, habitat poles, bee banks, ‘hugel beds’, wildflower lawns, hedgehog houses, native hedges and more.
Other great resources for learning about how to make log piles can be found on the RHS, Gardeners World, and Saga websites.
To discuss garden design or landscape consultancy, give Tom a call on 0141 432 1141 or email on tom@tomangel.co.uk