Today we started to create a hibernaculum in the garden. A hibernaculum is somewhere small mammals or insects can hibernate during the cold months of the year.
We decided to site the hibernaculum next to the pond to provide somewhere for the frogs to hide and hibernate.
The first job to be done was to dig a large hole into the earth, which would be deep enough to fit in the different layers needed to provide habitats for various species.
We needed to measure the hole and cut a length of drain pipe so that it would fit into the bottom of the hole.
We used a drill to make lots of small holes in the drain pipe.
We used some off-cuts from the log roll which we used to edge the pond. We separated them using pliers.
The drain pipe was fitted into the bottom of the hole.
We carefully laid all the pieces of wood over the top of the drain pipe.
We covered the wood with a layer of gravel.
We covered the gravel with a layer of soil after positioning pieces of piping to provide and entry and exit to the hibernaculum for little creatures.
We covered the soil with rocks, which have been re-cycled from our old rockery. The rocks will provide gaps and spaces for frogs and toads to hide in.
Yesterday a large amount of top soil was deposited over the school fence. We needed to level the ground around the poly-tunnel before the cover can be put on.
Our willing group of gardeners made quick work of moving the soil.
The top soil being packed around the poly-tunnel frame.
The back of the poly-tunnel was particularly un-level and needed a large amount of soil packed underneath and around the frame.
Finished and ready for the cover which will hopefully be put on this Friday if the weather is good. We had some further help today from the Allotment Association, we now have some fantastic door frames.
The team have been working hard and have put together four more raised beds - they look fantastic.
We received a delivery of top-soil and manure from W.L Straughan - an Environmental and Landscape Contractor based in Bedlington. We have bought top soil from them a number of times in the past - it is always excellent quality.
http://wlstraughan.blogspot.co.uk/
As you can see watching the tractor and trailer deliver the manure and soil into the school car park was quite popular with the students.
5 tonnes of top-soil and 5 tonnes of manure to move now.
We have been busy making signs for our raised beds over the past few weeks, it is a good rainy day activity.
We harvested a bit more purple sprouting broccoli too.
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