This weeks theme at the community garden is Bees, Bugs and other Wildlife. So, today we built a new Amphibian Habitat near our ponds.

'Amphibians' include many different classifications of animals but the word generally refers to vertebrates inhabiting both land and water. Amphibians typically start out as larvae living in water, but some species have developed behavioural adaptations to bypass this stage. However, most amphibians use wet and dry habitats at different times throughout their lives for breeding, feeding, hibernating etc.

We have newts, frogs and toads in residence on site. So, if you would like some visitors to your wildlife pond like ours it's a great idea to also build some amphibian habitats nearby.

First, dig a trench:

Fill with rubble, stones, branches, twigs which make underground nooks and crannies for the amphibians to hide, sleep and hibernate in, then cover with wood chippings:

Add pipes for entrances and exits then cover with excess soil:

We then added a log pile on top and tidied up the neighbouring Bug Hotel. Sam also added extra chippings and bits of bamboo to the Bug Hotel so it's full and cosy for the upcoming hibernation season.

Nigel and Chantelle spotted and correctly identified a newt near the bog garden whilst we were working in the area so we were pleased to be providing more appropriate habitats for them.

Even a very small pond or habitat can encourage wildlife to your garden and you will benefit from their natural pest controls - hedgehogs eat slugs! So, why not have a go at making some habitats for your garden or allotment such as ponds, log piles, bunches of hollow sticks for insects, hedgehog habitats, a bug hotel?! We will be doing more habitat building as we get ready for autumn hibernation season including hedgehog habitats in the native hedging. So watch this space for more tips!