Create a haven for marvellous minibeasts

In the magical world just outside of the doorstep, tiny creatures flit, crawl and buzz about their business, often unseen but always essential. Insects are the unsung heroes of our gardens, responsible for pollination and pest control, and serving as an integral part of the food chain. Yet, these beneficial beasties often find themselves without proper shelter. Sean McMenemy, passionate nature expert and founder of Ark Wildlife, shares some top tips on how to create a perfect haven for these industrious inhabitants and why it is important to protect Britain’s bug population. 

Log pile wonderland 

“Imagine a cosy corner of your garden filled with a stack of logs and twigs – a natural sanctuary for a host of insects and their idea of a dream home. Decaying wood is particularly appealing to beetles, leafcutter bees, and other critters that seek out its nooks and crannies. To build your own log pile lodge, start by gathering a variety of logs and sticks. Arrange them in a loose, casual pile - no need for perfect symmetry here! The gaps between the logs create perfect little hideaways and nesting spots. 

“Place your log pile in a partially shaded area. This ensures it remains dry and protected from heavy rain, but still experiences the gentle touch of the elements. As the seasons change, watch as ladybirds, lacewings, and even butterflies make their appearances, using the pile as a resting spot or a temporary home.” 

Embrace the wild 

“To truly enhance your garden’s insect inhabitants, let nature have its way. Embrace the wild charm of unkept grass, spontaneous wildflowers and fallen leaves. Resist the urge to tidy every twig and leaf, as these natural elements provide essential shelter and nourishment for a host of beneficial critters. Allow your garden to revel in its wild beauty, creating a natural sanctuary where insects can thrive. This relaxed approach not only boosts your garden’s ecological charm but also adds a touch of delightful disorder that’s perfect for welcoming all tiny visitors.  

“If you really can’t stand the thought of a messy patch, how about just leaving one section for wildlife, or adding an insect house as a charming alternative to providing a tidier yet inviting refuge for your garden’s tiniest friends.” 

Nectar nook neighbourhoods 

“In the vibrant tapestry of your garden, the flowers and plants you choose can play a big role in providing shelter and nutrition to a wide range of insects, especially in the colder months. As summer wanes and the days become shorter, many insects, including queen bees, start preparing for hibernation. By selecting the right plants, you can offer them a safe residence and much-needed energy to carry them through the winter. 

“Autumn is a crucial time for hibernating bees, as they seek out late-blooming flowers to stock up on nectar and pollen. Flowers like asters, sedums and dahlias are perfect for providing a rich food source. Meanwhile, ivy, often overlooked as a garden staple, is a lifeline for many insects. Its clusters of small, yellow-green flowers bloom well into the autumn, offering a vital nectar source just when other flowers are fading away. As the ivy grows, its dense, evergreen foliage also provides a sheltered spot for insects to hunker down, shielded from the elements. 

“If you stumble upon a hibernating queen, simply tuck her back in with the same material she had nestled into and let her rest undisturbed. If she’s buzzing about and reluctant to return to her slumber, gently place her in a sheltered spot - just never indoors!” 

For more expert advice from Sean, and to browse Ark Wildlife’s range of solutions for wildlife, visit www.arkwildlife.co.uk  

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Editors notes

Ark Wildlife is a UK-based company specialising in wildlife-friendly products and solutions. They are known for providing a wide range of products designed to support and encourage wildlife in gardens and outdoor spaces, while inspiring its customers to make one small, simple step to help nature thrive.

Ark Wildlife offers a wide array of bird feeders, bird foods, and bird care accessories to attract and nourish birds such as robins, blue tits, sparrows, and other garden birds. They also provide habitats for hedgehogs, bats, and insects, aiming to create a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem in domestic environments.

The business was founded by wildlife enthusiast Sean McMenemy, an expert with an unparalleled understanding of garden wildlife which dates back to a passion developed during his childhood. He is regarded as a leading authority on garden wildlife and has personally driven more innovation, quality and convenience to the bird food and wildlife market than anyone else.