'Bury Buckets For Beetles' is a new scheme to (hopefully) help endangered stag beetles by creating a nursery environment for the larvae. :babybonne All you will need is:
A bucket;
Wood chippings;
An area of ground.
The idea is simple, with a craft knife/drill make some 3cm/1 1/4inch holes across the sides and base of an old bucket. Fill it with equal parts of soil and wood chippings (preferably not the type used for animal bedding), then bury it up to its rim in a quiet spot. Top up the chippings and soil if necessary and leave undisturbed.
The scheme is sponsored by the People's Trust for Endangered Species, and was thought up by Royal Holloway, University of London.
Stag Beetle Helpline
Stag Beetle Facts:
The stag beetle is endangered;
At up to 7.5cm/3inches, it is our largest beetle;
They are seen mainly in South East England, flying at dusk on balmy summer evening; (but don't be put off if you live elsewhere!)
They lay their eggs underground near rotting wood and the larvae live in this wood for up to 5 years before pupating to become adults.
Also posted in 'Minibeasts'