The basic structure

We used bricks and board’s to build it up. The more you can use recycled or reclaimed materials the better. It really does not need to be flash, thats not the point of it. You just want to have fun building it and making a home for the bugs.

Filling the gaps

There are lots of different things you can put it the gaps of the structure but here are some suggestions;

Dead wood

Dead wood is essential for the larvae of wood-boring beetles, such as the stag beetle. It also supports many fungi, which help break down the woody material. Crevices under the bark hold centipedes and woodlice.

Holes for solitary bees

Hollow stems, such as old bamboo canes, or holes drilled into blocks of wood, make good nest sites for solitary bees. Holes of different diameters cater for different species. You place canes or hollow plant stems in a length of plastic drainpipe or a section from a plastic drinks bottle.

Dry leaves

More homes for a variety of invertebrates; this mimics the litter on the forest floor.

Loose bark

Beetles, centipedes, spiders and woodlice all lurk beneath the decaying wood and leaves.


Many garden invertebrates need a safe place to hibernate in through the winter, and cracks and crevices in the mansion are great for them to hide in.


Ladybirds and their larvae are champion aphid munchers. The adults hibernate over winter; they need dry sticks or leaves to hide in.


Every spring, queen bumblebees search for a site to build a nest and found a new colony. An upturned flowerpot in a warm sheltered place might be used.