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Hibernacula
Hibernacula
Hibernacula are constructed to act as refuges for species such as reptiles and amphibians as well as invertebrates, providing habitat, shelter and places to bask.
Hibernacula (plural of hibernaculum) are constructed using different materials and specifications depending on what species they are for. They need to be free-draining and have good sun exposure. The South facing side should ideally have slightly sparser vegetation so that the reptiles and amphibians can bask easily. Vegetation should be heavier on the North side to provide extra shelter. Hibernacula for amphibians are best located near a water body.
Hibernacula can be made of logs, stone and turf, and topped with soil and planted with grass seeds to provide optimum habitat for reptiles and amphibians. Whilst the construction of hibernacula needs to be planned, they shouldn’t be too over-engineered, and they take time to mature.
We have created hibernacula on many sites to provide refuge for reptiles including slow worms and lizards, and for amphibians including great crested newts.
For examples of projects where we have created hibernacula, please click on the links below:
