Natural explorer :: Creating Reptile/Amphibian Hibernacula & Refuges

Natural explorer :: Creating Reptile/Amphibian Hibernacula & Refuges: In creating ’five-star’ hibernacula there are a number of factors to consider.

Materials: Wood, tree roots, rubble, compost, mulch etc, can all be used.
Design: Mix up these material in a natural way, avoid being too tidy. Have nooks and crannies and places where material will come through any cover.
Cover: Put turfs of suitable vegetation on top (ideally from the location since it will contain invertebrates) - a natural grass and bramble mix, a ’wilderness turf’ being ideal.
Planting or relocating suitable scrub on the north side of the hibernacula also provides extra cover and, crucially, shade.�
Location: The best sites get both sun and shade, often in ’marginal’ habitats between open locations and more overgrown areas.
If you do remove soil and turfs from the location�that is going to�be placed back on top,�store it on tarpaulin to minimise the impact on�surrounding�vegetation.
Loosen up any surrounding areas that were compacted during the work Have the right long term management plan.