100+ Bug Hotel Ideas

bug-hotel-ideas

Looking to support your garden’s wildlife with a bug hotel? In this article, you’ll find unique bug hotel ideas and step-by-step guides to help you create the perfect insect habitat. From gabion designs to pallet hotels, plus easy DIY projects and kid-friendly builds, there’s something here for every garden, skill level, and budget.

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Unique Bug Hotel Ideas

Castle Mill

bug-hotel-by-the-windmill

A beautifully designed bug hotel in Slottsträdgården Malmö, set against the backdrop of the Castle Windmill. This striking structure is more than just a haven for insects – it’s sculptural, tidy, and impressively crafted, blending function with artistic form.

What’s Inside Bugingham Palace?

Giant-palace-in-Lyme-and-Wood-country-park

Welcome to Bugingham Palace, Green Town St. Helens’ insect home in Lyme and Wood Country Park. It provides shelter for many important insects. Today, we often focus on larger animals. However, small insects like bees and beetles are just as vital. They help pollinate plants and break down waste. In addition, they keep the ecosystem balanced. These little creatures certainly deserve a palace to call home.

Haven

carved-in-tree-bug-hotel

Bringing back old trees to life? Yes! Providing a home for bugs? Also Yes! Giving back the character of a place? Also yes. These all describe Stuart Ian Frost‘s creation.

Luxury Accommodation

babylonstoren-insect-hotel

Babylonstoren describes their insect hotel as “a safe breeding ground for a variety of insects that visit the garden and decide to stay. Here you will find insects that eat insects – nature’s policemen. Also, some insects that help pollinate flowers. Our insect hotel offers all sorts of rooms to choose from, each with a different sort of bed. Come peep carefully – you never know who has moved in – moth, ladybird, wasp, lizard or spider?”

The Clever Refuge

fox-shaped-insect-hotel

This striking fox-shaped piece by D Sculpted blends sculpture and sanctuary in one remarkable form. Crafted from reclaimed metals and packed with textural detail, it showcases Darren’s passion for designing freely, far from curriculum constraints. Each section is thoughtfully arranged, each material purposefully reused. It’s not just a home for wildlife, but a reflection of a maker’s journey and ingenuity.

Cloudhouse

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Image Credit: Andy Greenacre

This cloud-shaped hotel created by Cassie Fairy is an imaginative structure crafted from upcycled tin cans, designed to provide cosy nooks for small creatures during colder months. Its whimsical, fluffy silhouette not only adds charm to any outdoor space but also serves as a sustainable shelter made from recycled materials.

World’s Largest Bug Hotel

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“Created in 2022 by Highland Titles, the World’s Largest Bug Hotel is a record-breaking conservation project built from over 2,000 wooden pallets to provide habitat for countless insects and pollinators. Still standing proudly today, it is home to a thriving insect population and sits within our year-round accessible nature reserve in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.” – said Ellie Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer at Highland Titles

Noah’s Ark

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Ashleigh, the lovely soul behind crazy.plant.lovee, created a charming little Noah’s Ark from recycled treasures – the perfect cosy haven for tiny creatures to snuggle up and nest in sweet safety.

Insect Megalopolis

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What if I told you that the total number of humans doesn’t even come close to the number of bugs on Earth? It’s almost impossible to count them all… but one thing’s for sure – there’s definitely room for plenty of little creatures to live here!

Shell-ter in Style

turtle-shaped-bug-hotel

D’Sculpted packed this stunning turtle-shaped piece with intricate natural details and clever textures. Stainless steel frames the design, while every section bursts with variety and care. It’s a beautiful blend of art and purpose, offering both charm and shelter.

The Bug Cathedral

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Built by volunteers at Salisbury Cathedral during Youth Eco Day, this striking “Bug Cathedral” now welcomes garden wildlife. The team built the project using spare and salvaged materials. They expect many insects and wildlife to find a safe haven there, right in the shadow of their (slightly taller) spire.

Tree Stump Lodge

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“I love it when we are able to provide a valuable home for wildlife, whilst creating something of interest and beauty for us to enjoy.” said Andy from Conservation and Access, read more about the project here.

The Hive

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This unique bug hotel, inspired by hexagonal designs, provides a peaceful shelter for garden wildlife. It was created for the Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve by Industrial Modern Furniture, blending art and nature beautifully.

The Grand Lodge

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This beautiful structure is built with care using logs, bricks, tiles, and other natural bits. It gives small creatures a safe place to shelter. Created by RegenBen, it reminds us how much nature needs space to thrive. Over time, we can forget what a rich natural world looks like. Projects like this help us notice the changes and care for our nature.

The Bottled Biodiversity Nook

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Shared by @bedfontltd, this eco-themed project repurposes a glass bottle filled with bamboo, bark, and dried foliage, all perched on a leafy base with a white ceramic frame. It’s a creative and sustainable way to support biodiversity using recycled and natural materials.

The 5-Foot, 5-Star Retreat

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We’re giving this five-foot-tall creation a full five stars! Built by The Camberwell Society, it’s a thoughtfully designed wildlife haven packed with natural charm and purpose.

Enshrined

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A striking circular structure made from stacked concrete blocks, offering countless sheltered spaces for small woodland creatures to thrive.

Bug Hostel

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Saddle Mountain Hostel‘s bug-sized hostel offers cosy accommodation at delightfully affordable rates! With a variety of rooms to choose from, they’re excited to welcome all sorts of tiny guests. Strictly no insectivores allowed – this is a safe space for our six-legged friends!

Built-Inn

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Talya from Grace Grits Garden shows how even a simple stone wall can become a luxurious hideaway for pollinators. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful garden design can support nature while adding charm to your outdoor space. Style and sustainability can go hand in hand, too.

Marble Palace

This bespoke bee sanctuary, crafted by Old School Fabrications, features a miniature Gin Palace, with oak-filled archways offering a stylish home for insects and pollinators.

Rustic Dream

diy-drawer-bug-hotel

At Hollystone Cottage, an old drawer has found new life in the garden. Placed on its back in a shady spot, it’s filled with moss, twigs, pine cones, and bark. Hollow sticks or wood with holes invite helpful guests like bees and ladybirds. This simple project supports garden wildlife and reuses old furniture.

The Wall

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Allotmentnumpties_at_highclere crafted this stunning wildlife wall using stacked logs and branches, framed by two upright tree trunks, providing shelter for a variety of small creatures. A beautiful example of hand-built reuse in the garden.

Bridge to the Wild

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This inventive structure by Ravenwood transforms a quiet space between apartment blocks into a haven for nature and play. A hollow elm bridge rests on oak stem piles, filled with materials that welcome fungi and small creatures. It’s the first of many nature-based challenges designed to bring children closer to the miniature worlds around them.

Biodiversity Meets Art

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Blending natural beauty with purpose, this sculptural haven – built by the talented Yeo Valley Garden team – stacks logs, straw, and twigs in a striking tepee-like frame, offering shelter to all kinds of garden dwellers.

Bug Station

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All aboard for nature! This charming stop-off by The Camberwell Society is a first-class shelter for garden creatures, built with layered natural materials and plenty of hideaways – an eco-friendly terminal for tiny travellers.

Helmingbug Hall Hotel

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@helminghamwildman shares this creative structure, brilliantly upcycling stacked terracotta land drain pipes of various diameters. Filled with bamboo canes, twigs, and straw, it offers a purposeful and inviting shelter for a variety of beneficial creatures.

Log House

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Built from two old logs, pallet wood, and foraged twigs, this beautifully weathered shelter by The Carrot Tops Allotment brings charm and shelter to the garden. A creative weekend project that turned out to be both practical and full of character!

Gabion Bug Hotel Ideas

Bug-ingham Palace

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Gabions have many uses! Not only do they look good, but they can also provide a home for small crawling creatures. Learn how to make a bug hotel.

Wire Wonders: Building Biodiversity

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This eye-catching gabion bug hotel, designed by Adam O’Hare (cannedwildlife.blog), is filled with natural and repurposed materials to provide shelter for local wildlife and enhance biodiversity. It was installed with the support of dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic local schoolchildren.

Bug Haven Built

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This creative bug hotel was built by the St James Church Eco Group using gabion cages. It now houses a growing variety of residents, providing a welcoming habitat for local wildlife.

A Shelter for Nature

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Built with pallets, pine cones, bark, and bricks, this structure – created by Tong Garden Centre – offers year-round refuge for garden life. It reflects the eco-friendly values championed by Yorkshire Garden Centres through their commitment to sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardening.

Multi-Purpose Home

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This bug hotel was built to protect a shallow amphibian pond – blocking access, enhancing its look, and providing shelter for invertebrates. Learn more about the project here.

Habitat for Garden Wildlife

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This wildlife habitat by Mike Russell Designs, built with stacked bricks and stones, provides shelter for various insects and small creatures while blending beautifully with the surrounding vibrant heather and daffodils.

Bug City Life

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Carefully built using wire cages, logs, and bricks, this city-centre block of flats is perfect for small garden dwellers. It’s sturdy, neat, and fits right into the urban greenery.

Gabion Bug Hotel

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This project was created by Steph Hill Garden Design, who brought her gabion ideas to life, offering shelter for the insects living in the area.

Pallet Bug Hotel Ideas

Thatched

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“We love creating our bug hotels but crucial that the materials we use are upcycled from waste materials that we generate on site during our garden builds. Clients love them and often we have competitions between our team members to be the most creative. And they last for years providing fabulous habitat for slow worms, hedgehogs and butterflies foraging on the sedum or wild flower roofs” – said Rob Jones from The Garden Design Company Ltd.

Tiny Tenants Welcome

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This charming project, shared by Darren Kench in the Wildlife Gardening Forum, features a rustic design packed with natural materials and topped with a vibrant green roof to support pollinators and garden wildlife. A perfect example of how creativity and conservation can thrive side by side.

Nature’s Cosy Retreat

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Crafted by Gordon Castle Scotland, this charming structure made from pallets, clay pots, logs, moss, and pine cones offers a safe and snug haven for tiny woodland creatures. It’s already attracting birds and is sure to welcome a host of new residents soon.

The Pink Pallet Palace

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This bright pink bug hotel by SPCB MossKillers is a stylish and eco-friendly garden feature, made from stacked pallets and filled with natural materials to welcome helpful insects. A fun, eye-catching way to support wildlife right in your back garden!

Pallet-Sized

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“We recently created a pallet sized bug hotel in Stony Stratford Nature Reserve as part of our Community Volunteering programme, sharing skills and knowledge is a great way to encourage everyone to make their own mini bug house and support nature throughout Milton Keynes.” Carla Boswell shares.

Credit: The Parks Trust | The charity caring for Milton Keynes’ green spaces | theparkstrust.com

Grass-Roofed Inn

grass-roofed-hotel

Built using repurposed wooden pallets, this eco-friendly project combines logs, pine cones, stones, and turf to create shelter for beneficial insects. Created by Green Town St Helens, it highlights how simple materials can support local biodiversity in any garden.

Wildlife Matters

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This layered design uses stacked pallets filled with natural materials like straw, bark, and hollow stems. It’s easy to build and encourages all sorts of tiny wildlife to settle in. Featured by The Local Answer in their Wildlife Matters article.

EmBugCombe

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Embercombe is a beautiful 50 acre rewilding estate on the edge of Dartmoor. It is a place to find a deep connection with the wild nature around and within us. We run various programmes, and events each year, including the UK’s first in-depth, blended rewilding training programme, featuring experienced and knowledgeable rewilders as the teachers. This beauty was created by Laura Fairs, Rewilding Manager, and Embercombe. You can learn more about the project here.

Woodland Hideaway

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Hidden among the trees, this rustic woodland hideaway blends into its surroundings using old pallets and natural textures. This perfect place is part of The Olde House Farm Cottages‘ woodland fun area.

Pallet House

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Steph from Renovation Bay-Bee shared a simple and fun project on her blog: building a small shelter using an old pallet and natural materials found in the garden. This DIY activity is perfect for kids and helps create a cosy home for wildlife in your flowerbeds. Learn more about it here.

Buggy Bliss Barn 

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It’s simple to make and costs nothing, yet plays a key role in supporting biodiversity. It offers a safe home for tiny creatures like ladybirds, woodlice, solitary bees, and spiders. In return, they help pollinate plants and keep garden pests in check. That’s the idea behind Tapnell Farm Park’s project.

Blue Palace

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Built as a summer project by interns from Clemson University’s Professional Internship (UPIC) programme, this structure was created in partnership with the South Carolina Botanical Garden and Cooperative Extension. It needs maintenance and clearance from time to time, but its simple design and hands-on nature make it a fun and approachable way to support local wildlife. Photos courtesy of South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University.

Bugingham Palace

rustic-pallet-hotel

This bug hotel, created by Nigel Boldero from audaxdesign.org, is made up of pallets resting on top of each other with a sloping roof, also made from a pallet, and finished with a wooden shingle roof. It was part of an Earth Day Fair where children and others helped to fill it with a variety of insect-friendly materials – pots, leaves, coconut matting, wood with drilled holes, sticks, canes, and more.

Nature Projects

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Made from stacked wooden pallets and filled with logs, bamboo, and twigs, this cosy structure creates a perfect haven for garden wildlife. Get inspired by this clever design shared on Discovering Belgium, where you’ll also find creative, kid-friendly nature projects that bring the wild closer to home.

Gorgeous Day for a Gorgeous Project

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This project, created by The Small Gardener, shows how you can build a cosy home using just a few old pallets, a good saw, and a drill/screwdriver. These shelters provide a safe place for many small creatures to live and hibernate over winter. Building one is also a fun way to get children spending time outdoors.

DIY Bug Hotel Ideas

Balcony Nooks

Anna and Clara from Søstrene Grene love nature and have made a small home for garden creatures, perfect for a garden or balcony. In their guide, they show how families can enjoy this fun project using simple materials like wood, leaves, and bamboo.

The First and The Best

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“Having a bug house in the garden is a crucial step in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and keeping pests away.” – said Arthur from Le Potager d’Arthur

The Woodland Jenga

This simple structure uses dry grass, dry leaves, pinecones, and bird feathers to welcome a range of tiny wildlife. Shared by the Heart of England Forest in their how-to guide, it shows how easy it is to support nature with things found nearby.

Build the Best Mini Beast Bedding

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Crafty Girl Life Hacks shares a simple way to create a welcoming home for the little creatures. Head out on a garden or forest scavenger hunt to gather pine cones, dry leaves, sticks, and other natural treasures that insects love to hide in!

Take Action

As shared by Hubbub, creating a bug hotel is a simple way to bring nature closer to home – even in built-up areas. Using everyday or found materials, you can make a small shelter that offers much-needed space for bees, beetles, frogs, or even hedgehogs, whether you have a garden, balcony, or just a wall.

Wooden House

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“Creating a safe habitat for pollinators and bugs is more important than ever. Learn how to build a safe haven for these small insects with this simple woodworking project, here. ” – shared Adrienne from Crafty Little Gnome.

Nifty Nooks in a Tin

If your cupboards are overflowing with empty baked bean tins, don’t toss them – turn them into brilliant hanging homes for garden guests!The Nook Interiors came up with this fun and eco-friendly idea, using repurposed cans to offer cosy shelter. Add a splash of paint with leftover tester pots for a cheerful, personalised touch.

There’s No Place Like Home (for Bugs)

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Making a home for bugs is a great excuse to get creative – and what better reason than to give our pollinators a helping hand? With Shelley Makesinstructions, you’re all set to get started on your dream project!

Made of Memories

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Inspired by a visit to Austria, this beautifully organised creation combines natural textures with a classic chalet shape. Filled with pine straw, bamboo stakes, sticks, leaves, logs, it offers a variety of snug spaces for tiny garden dwellers. Created by Nourish and Nestle, it’s a practical and decorative way to invite nature into your outdoor space.

BugLand

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This wildlife shelter provides a safe haven for pollinators and pest-controlling species like solitary bees and ladybirds, while also offering a fun, sustainable way to repurpose bits and bobs from around the garden with the family, as shown by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Mini Hotel

“Bug hotels from mini to major are so important in providing refuge and habitat for our mini beasts in the garden.  All insects and invertebrates are the base of the food chain and vital part of your garden ecosystem.  They are a vital food source for all wildlife, particularly birds, reptiles and amphibians to small mammals.” – shares Carla Boswell, Biodiversity Officer at The Park Trust

MiniBeast Manor

Trust Links is an independent charity in Essex supporting mental health, wellbeing, and the environment through activities like therapeutic gardening and environmental workshops. Bug hotels provide vital habitats for beneficial insects, helping to boost biodiversity and promote a healthy ecosystem.

A Thoughtful Host’s Guide

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Discover Grace Grits Garden’s article and learn how to become the best host by keeping your property clean and well-maintained. Find out which natural materials – like sticks, bark, and leaves – make the perfect facilities for your tiny guests, and get tips from a seasoned proprietor on where to place your setup for maximum comfort and impact.

Bamboo Cane Design

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Have you ever wondered how to invite more beneficial insects into your garden? Building a little insect haven can be a charming way to provide shelter for these tiny helpers, while giving kids a hands-on opportunity to connect with nature. After all, anything that helps increase insect life in our gardens is truly worthwhile. Why not explore GrowVeg’s simple guide and create your own insect retreat today?

DIY Bughouse

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Emma from Emma Reed shared her approach to building a budget-friendly bughouse using recycled materials: “You can make a bughouse out of any materials you have lying around, this is a great way of repurposing and also saving money. We used off cuts of laminate flooring to create the outer shape, layered the interior using sticks, wood, leaves, moss, plant pots, stones and soil to provide a variety of environments for the bugs to live in.” If you’re curious to see the full guide, you can find it here.

Wooden Shelter

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Creating a simple shelter in your garden is a great way to attract pollinators like mason bees and wasps, helping your garden flourish. It also invites beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings, which naturally control pests like aphids. Making one yourself is easier than you might think – discover how here.

Wildlife Refuge

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This charming wildlife refuge, crafted from natural materials like logs, bamboo, and bark, offers a welcoming space for small creatures to shelter and nest. Created by Rachael Jess, you can check the full guide on her blog rachaeljess.com.

Bug B & B

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In this project from Under the Choko Tree, natural materials like logs, bamboo, pinecones, and bricks are used to attract a variety of helpful garden creatures. One key tip is to place the shelter about 2 metres above the ground, which helps protect it from predators and creates better conditions for the creatures to settle in.

Recycled Refuge

diy-pallet-insect-house

Made from stacked pallets and filled with recycled materials like terracotta pots, egg cartons, twigs, and leaves, this project – created by Mom of Two Little Girls – shows how easy it is to turn everyday waste into a welcoming retreat for garden creatures. It’s a creative, family-friendly way to support nature using what you already have.

Bug Hotel Ideas for Kids

Check In, Buzz Out

yellow-carton-bee-hotel

Make a few tubes, find a clean old carton, and voilà – your bee hideaway is ready! You can follow the step-by-step instructions at Get the Kids Outside. Just remember to be a responsible landlord and clean it regularly!

Crafted by Nature

small-wooden-bug-hotel

“This bug hotel is a great project to build with your kids. You can do the initial cuts yourself and then have your kids help with assembly. Then get them to choose the natural items to fill up the different rooms of the hotel!” shared Sean from Charleston Crafted. Check the full guide here.

Balcony Beastie B&B

milk-carton-hotel

This simple and enjoyable project is perfect for both adults and kids, and you don’t need any outdoor space to give it a go. If you’ve got a balcony, you can pop it outside and watch as little creatures start to settle in. The idea comes from Green Skills Library.

Bug Motel

hanging-can-hotel

E. Magnus Academy put together this cosy retreat as a fun, hands-on way for children to explore the fascinating world of minibeasts. Crafted entirely from free, natural materials, it’s a thriving spot where curiosity and conservation come together – no vacancies here!

Learning Hub

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The tiny guests in this garden haven are sure to bring smiles to the children at Geleibeans Childcare. It’s also a lovely chance for them to learn about the small creatures that help nature thrive.

Cardboard Comfort

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Made entirely from a cardboard box and filled with simple, natural items like leaves, twigs, paper rolls, and straw, this charming creation proves that no tools or construction are needed to support garden wildlife. Created by Nature Play WA, it’s a brilliant, low-effort way to spark curiosity and care for the environment – perfect for children and families.

Home with a Heart

heart-hotel

This charming little refuge was made by drilling holes into a single piece of wood, creating a cosy space for ants, solitary bees, and little spiders. This project shows how even simple designs can be full of character. It’s an ideal project for children, helping them connect with nature in a hands-on way. Shared by Mother Natured, it proves you don’t need much to make a difference.

Recycled Paper Home

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Michelle Parkes suggests: “Make a bug hotel using recycled materials. What kinds of bugs do you think will come to your bug hotel?” – a fun and engaging way to get kids thinking about biodiversity. The Earth Cubs activity guide expands on this idea with a simple, eco-friendly project using items like newspaper, you can learn more about it here.

Project for the Whole Family

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This cosy structure, created by Play for Parents, uses natural finds like twigs, bark, leaves, and flowerpots to create a welcoming space for garden wildlife. It’s an easy, hands-on activity that encourages outdoor play and a connection to nature.

A Playground for Tiny Explorers

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At @preschoolforyou, children hunt for tiny creatures every morning on the playground. They spot worms, beetles, ants, and more. They built cosy shelters using recyclables and natural bits, adding tunnels and bridges for curious crawlers. Nature learning in action!

Simple Joy

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This hands-on activity from Sensory Trust is a lovely project for its ease, creativity, and the satisfaction of making a welcoming space for small creatures to thrive.

A Kids’ Project

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This creative design uses natural materials like bark, twigs, stones, and dried leaves to offer a cosy retreat for small garden visitors. Shared by Little Bins for Little Hands, it’s an easy and effective way to support wildlife in any outdoor space.

Wooden Bug Hotel Ideas

Bits and Bobs

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What’s better than one bug hotel? A whole collection of them! These hideaways are filled with all sorts of bits and bobs that little creatures need. Whether they’re looking for a safe place to nest, shelter for the winter, or just a spot to rest for the night, they will find it here. Created by The Grange at Oborne, where every guest – big or small – is made to feel truly welcome.

The Reuse Refuge

blue-bee-bug-hotel

This cosy nature shelter was introduced as part of their sustainability efforts at the Slieve Russell Hotel. It was crafted by Belturbet Men’s Shed using repurposed wood, slate, stone and tiles. Children from Scoil Naoimh Bríd officially opened it in June 2023.

The Wild Bug Refuge

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Wild Reclamation has designed this five-star woodland retreat with every creature comfort in mind. Crafted from logs, bamboo, bricks, and natural textures, it offers cosy hideaways for pollinators and garden dwellers to nest, rest, and recharge.

Bee Logs

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@hederaartistry crafts these bee-friendly shelters from solid reclaimed local willow, drilling a mix of hole sizes into each piece. Designed to hang freely, they create ideal nesting spots for solitary pollinators.

Whimsy Wacancy

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This playful wooden structure, painted with cheerful colours and filled with paper, straw, and bamboo, makes a cosy hideaway for the tiny garden guests. Sandy Weber brought it to life using reused materials and a creative eye.

Glenroyal Hotel

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Now that’s what you call full service – Glenroyal Hotel didn’t just stop at people! Their garden-side hideaway offers five-star comfort for the tiniest travellers too.

St Hairy’s Woodland Chapel

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Built with care by St Mary’s Church Woodford, this inviting sanctuary opens its doors to all manner of tiny, creeping, and scuttling creatures. The removable trellis encourages gentle contributions of sticks, bark, or leaf litter to keep it cosy and full of life.

Woodland Beds

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This shelter was built by the Rother Garden Design and Build team using natural materials found on the very property where it stands. They always aim to design gardens that support plenty of biodiversity, as many gardens lack habitats for these wonderful little creatures. It’s a great reminder for all of us to do our part – whether that means planting more pollinating flowers or creating simple homes for wildlife.

BugTopia

bugtopia

@rusticbear has finished this fantastic minibeast haven for the newly revamped forest school at Rupert House School – and it’s a five-star retreat! Filled with natural textures and snug hiding spots, it’s bound to bring joy to the children come September.

Old Bits of Architecture

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@selfraisingflower transforms old bits of architecture into a charming wildlife shelter, recycling with purpose to support the tiny heroes that keep the garden thriving. This thoughtful structure celebrates the beauty of reuse while giving nature a place to flourish.

A Corner for Nature’s Hardest Workers

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This charming little retreat, courtesy of Bedford Lodge Hotel, plays a significant role in supporting local biodiversity – offering shelter for pollinators, natural pest controllers, and an essential food source for other wildlife. It may not boast four red stars, but it’s a vital addition to any green space, helping to keep the natural habitat thriving for all our tiny garden companions.

Bee Blocks

bee-blocks

At @the_edible_wildlife_garden, every little helper has a place to call home – whether they buzz, crawl, or scuttle. From cosy nooks for bees to hideaways for beetles, this garden is full of shelters for nature’s tiniest workers. It’s a beautiful way to care for wildlife while teaching the value of even the smallest creatures.

Ant-tastic Abode

antic-style-bug-hotel

Crafted by @rissyjane1, this charming wood-framed haven is packed with pine cones, logs, drilled wood, and rustic finds – topped off with magnetic ants for a playful finish. A delightful addition to any permaculture garden.

Autumn Brook Apartments

bug-apartments

Designed by Kirsty Couch (@the_orginiser_), this charming woodland retreat is crafted from natural materials like bark, bricks, and logs, complete with a hand-carved sign and a butterfly topper to welcome its tiny guests in style.

The 3-Foot High Hideaway

chicken-wired-bughotel

This beautifully layered structure by @iain_36 features stacked logs, drilled wood, roof tiles, stones, and moss – carefully arranged behind chicken wire to create a cosy retreat for garden life. A striking blend of design and habitat.

Natural Charm

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Brooke Wilson @ns.wildlife.gardener built this cosy wooden refuge using bark, bamboo, and drilled logs. It’s full of natural charm.

Rustic Touch

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This handmade structure created by@yvette_distefano sits proudly on a garden post, filled with twigs, pine cones, and coir for nesting creatures. It’s part of an organic garden, blending well with the permaculture vibe.

Winter Shelter

bug-shelter

This little shelter by Rob’s Allotment is a cosy winter retreat for helpful insects and small animals. Built with love and a mix of natural materials, it’s a welcoming hideaway tucked among sticks, twigs, and leaves. A perfect example of how even the smallest creatures deserve a warm place to rest.

Bring On The Pollinators!

big-pollinator-home

This bug hotel is buzzing with activity – it’s so well-equipped (yes, it even offers free Wi-Fly) that owner Kathleen and her husband have already informed their six (or more) – legged guests that the hotel is fully booked for the season! Dear bugs, don’t miss out – next year’s reservations are already crawling in! Book your suite dreams now before they all flutter away!

Fairyland

bugland

These neatly shaped wooden homes use bricks, tiles, logs and sticks for shelter. Made by @littlewoodpeckers, they look tidy and well-planned.

Tiny Playhouse

tiny-insect-house

This whimsical house by Cassie’s Enchanted Creations is full with love, happiness, and sunshine – and of course, it has pine cones and bamboo. It’s a charming and welcoming haven for every little creature.

Mini Break

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All manner of mini-beasts needing a mini break are warmly invited to nest, unwind, and enjoy a pampering stay in this sanctuary created by Hannah @alwaysonaminibreak.

Bug Bed and Breakfast

green-bug-vacancy

Spring is the perfect time to welcome little visitors into your garden! Created by Wildroots Farm Bug Bed and Breakfast offers a cosy space for creatures which play a big role in keeping gardens healthy. Plus, it’s a fun way to upcycle everyday items into a wildlife-friendly retreat.

Cottage Manor

cottage-style-manor

This charming bug hotel was created by Jane Lord @the_little_end_cottage. Its dedicated caretaker checks in regularly, and with winter approaching, she hopes that even more tiny guests will move in. For now, the spiders have claimed it, weaving plenty of webs in its cosy corners.

The Backyard Bunker

backyard-bunker

Building a natural refuge like this is an enjoyable and fulfilling activity the whole family can get involved in. It only takes a few hours to put together and can be placed in any outdoor space – be it a balcony, garden, or allotment. These charming shelters provide vital cover for solitary bees, toads, hedgehogs, and a wide range of other small creatures. You can find out more at Green Skills Library.

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