Wildlife Friendly Shed

Wow, this site is great. I wish I had found it earlier. Better late than never.

I've been documenting the progress of a wildlife shed project that I have been working on. Updates have been posted on another site, but I've decided to also post it on here as it seems this is a somewhat more active and appropriate forum (will keep this in mind for future projects).

So here goes....

The project:

I have managed without a shed for a while but, last year, I finally gave in. I am a bit of a wildlife gardener, and decided to design and build a wildlife friendly shed. Sustainability and reuse is generally pretty high on my list of priorities so I have tried to source as much as I can from stuff otherwise heading to landfill.

I have acquired a few wooden pallettes and during my local bycyle travels I have found out that I can get a regular supply from an industrial source and a few development sites.

Also, my neighbour has a very large laurel tree which has grown in an invonvenient place, so the decision was made to have it removed. Hoping to use some of the logs in my design.


A couple years ago I made a small coldframe from some old wood and peices of polycarbonate that I saw someone throwing away during a visit to the local tip. It has worked pretty well, but I've chosen to dismaltle it and incorporate it into the shed too.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0028.jpg

As for the logs, I intend to make one wall of the shed a 'log wall' with provisional homes for wildlife such as holes and crevices for bees, birds and a myriad of other beneficial garden inhabitants. Here's a collage of the idea:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/BenIncs01.jpg

Even made a little model and couple drawings of the envisaged result:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/GardenStoreExt.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/Internaltowardslogs.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/ShdModelDay.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/ShdModelNite.jpg

The red/orange glow is based on a colour aesthetic idea of light attracting insects:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/Moth2Flame.jpg

Here is where the shed is to be located:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMAG0066.jpg


The story so far:

Built the frame. I ended up buying the uprights as couldn't find any second hand ones long or trustworthy enough. Was kindly given a few planks by some company guys that were taking down some scaffolding on my street, so have cut and used those too.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00266-20100619-1031.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00258-20100619-1029.jpg

Dismantled and reconstructed pallettes to make wall panels:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00522-20100905-1312.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00398-20100805-1540.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00499-20100905-1151.jpg

Constructed roof joists from timber donated by a nearby contruction site (the security guy even delivered it):

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00596-20100922-1254.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00598-20100922-1255.jpg

Formed roof deck with pallette strips:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00706-20101006-1833.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00714-20101010-1227.jpg

Log wall frames work:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00707-20101006-1834.jpg

Skylight Shaft-tree-mini cold frame:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00722-20101013-1707.jpg

Laid a protective layer on top of the shed in preparation for the liner. This is some fire retardant protective sheeting I rescued from a skip outside a nearby refurbished sports hall.
.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00718-20101013-1706.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG00721-20101013-1707.jpg

Used pond lining reclaimed from a wildlife and horticultural education centre. Decided not to cut and patch around the roof light as may open the way for leaks. The resulting folds should flatten out enough not to cause any problems.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01011-20101103-1315.jpg

Partially installed drainage system. As anticipated, I managed to acquire waste connections from a bathroom set that was being discarded.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01012-20101105-1531.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01016-20101105-1623.jpg

Covered the pond liner with more of the fire retrdant material and put the roof light lid in place:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01017-20101105-1628.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01017-20101105-1628.jpg

Crushed bricks galore (as if working on some sort of chain gang), for green roof drainage layer and channels:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01030-20101109-1011.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01036-20101111-1207.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01032-20101109-1215.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01034-20101109-1226.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01039-20101123-1131.jpg

Laid filter layer:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01076-20110222-1554.jpg

Started some seeds in preparation for roof planting:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0263.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0263.jpg

Acquired and fitted polycarbonate for log wall backing/weather proofing:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01054-20110120-1413.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0276.jpg

And laid flooring (rescued THREE FULL SHEETS of 18mm marine ply wood from a skip):

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01040-20101124-1039.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01041-20101124-1239.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01059-20110205-1138.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01060-20110205-1139.jpg

Fibre borad and large ply off-curts covered whole area (though photo shows unfinished layers)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01063-20110205-1208.jpg

Unfortunately, no photo taken for the next two layers of pallettes. The first was laid upside-down and the second was laid right way up. Every thing fits tightly within the framework (with the help of a few pallette alterations). Then came the afore-mentioned ply:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01066-20110215-1319.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01065-20110215-1319.jpg



That's as far as I've come to date. It's a spare time project that's taken a while due to all the gathering and preparation of materials (and the winter hibernation and vacation periods). Been working on the door (and donated sliding mechanism), and planting medium for roof most recently, which consists of yet more crushed bricks (and breeze blocks), along with a small percentage of pine needles, bark and spent compost.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01085-20110304-1511.jpg

Hope I haven't been a bore and that's it's been an interesting read so far. All constructive coments welcome.

All the best

BD

 

Thanks for posting this thread. I really enjoyed seeing all of your hard work.

The best for me though was the collage. Even if you can't get the real creatures to come, you should really add the interest and fun of some fake ones. Superb.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/BenIncs01.jpg

 

Excellent. I might pinch some of your ideas.

I have a garden shed in dire need of some renovation, so rather than just mending it, I might modify it a bit. At the very least I think I'll put a little garden on the roof.

 

Thanks for your comments.

EddieJ, I live in a mid terrace in london, but believe it or not, there are no creatures within the collage that I haven't seen; although I'm not 100% certain about the actual species of mouse that I once disturbed having lifted a rock pile. This one had big ears, big eyes and a white chest, and was totally cute (if not a little dazed). Just hope none of the many cats in the area didn't get to it.

clueless1 (slight discomfort in calling you that, but hey ) Feel free to used and spread any of the ideas. The more green roofs and wildlife garden projects, the better. Plus, nothing is new, it's just a way of reconnecting really.

One thing I would say is that, if you are renovating an existing shed (or any structure) with a green roof, be sure that it is strong enough to take the weight. This may mean adding a few strengthening posts and braces, but it is certainly worth it.

More updates coming soon.

BD

PS - If any other reader ot this post is inspred and/or has any inspiration, knowledge and/or suggestions to share Please post your comments. Its always nice to get feedback and see/hear of similar projects.

 

Thanks Shiney.

Yes, have thought about rats. The metal edging around the inside perimeter is actually buried another 20cm at least, then I've used broken crockery and stones to pack it in. Then there's the plywood laid on top of several layers of the fire retardent sheeting I used on the roof, before the pallettes and another layer of ply. In essence, the pallettes are totally enclosed. I know we are never too far from rats and didn't/don't want to encourage them. Still, the ethos of this project is much to do with recycling as well as other forms of sustainability (It can be a little depressing when considering how much useable stuff ends up in landfill for the sake of convenience).
I didn't want to make a heavy impression on the site (i.e. concrete slab) and was tempted to purchase some sturdy metal mesh to cover the whole area, but decided to make do with what I had salvaged. Hopefully the way I've put it together will serve as a strong enough deterent for them not to set up shop (though I know rats can be pretty determined).

Also hoping that the squirrels don't damage the roof in any way. Hmmm...looks like I know where my next set of gooseberry bush pruning are going to be scattered

Hadn't thought of the logs sprouting leaves. I agree....that would be great. The tree is down now (photos on their way). I have several sections taking up the back of the garden. Looks like I'm going to have to hire/buy a chainsaw to cut them to the right lengths (couldn't ask the tree butcher to spend all day following my instructions now). This is once of the rare scenarios where I'm think I am looking forward to the end result much more than I am the journey.

Dearie me, with all these lemons, I hope to be drinking a great deal of lemonade in the coming months

 

Not similar, but these may give you some ideas.

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/fairy-seat-t5464.html

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/opinions-please-b-t31243.html

This one is going to be added to on a weekly basis.

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/off-wall-ideas-t32055.html

Not inspirational or anything like that, but here was another project

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/construction-our-veg-t5466.html

 

Wow EddieJ.
I feel completely 'fired up' having seen your posts. Unfortunately I don't have your sculptural talents, but have so many ideas for sculptures in general. Looks like (for my own creations) I'll have to settle with straight log cuts for the time being.

Encouraging to see your section on the truck front storage. We saw a truck mud guard lying by the road for days. We had recently decided that it would be viable to keep a couple of chickens (wanted some for a long time). Having seen the astronomical price for Eglus, we've decided to make our own coop incorporating the mud guard. I guess that's a garden project...well...it's based in the garden, so may even post a photo when its all done.

As for the veg garden not being 'inspirational or anything like that', try just watching and picking up on the feelings of the next person to visit your veggie patch (even if it's a member of your own household). I've always grown edible amongst ornamentals as a habbit, but you certainly made me wish I had a little more land to hand.

Thanks JWK.
Guildford, Hmm... I bet you could It's more a case of keeping and eye out and being in the right place at the right time (even a street away). Oh.. and being able to transport the stuff. I either ride my bicycle or take the bus to most places I need to get to within my local area. All the terraced houses mean different bike routes each time. If I see something bulky (like the sheets of ply) I hire a car club vehicle and go collect (having asked permission). I'm sure the skip hire companies have a booming time in cities like london. Would like to see builders manage their waste and recycling more responsibly though (but that's another story). For the time being I'll be happy to rescue what I can use without turning my small patch into a steptoe and son yard :D

 

clueless1 (slight discomfort in calling you that, but hey )[/QUOTE]

I can't call him that either, which is why I call him Dave. He's really going to kick my ass when I find out his name is really Sandra

Great what you are doing.

Reminds me of the terrible winter of 1962/3 There was a guy in East Anglia who took pity on the Coypus that had escaped from fur farms.

Being tropical animals they were freezing to death, so he gathered them all up and put them on shelves in his shed with a parrafin heater to keep them warm.

 

Update

Hello all.

The tree has gone!!! Here's the before:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0269.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0028a.jpg

During:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0279.jpg

and the after:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/KB1_0281.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01123-20110325-1319.jpg

What a difference. The withdrawn privacy and 'woodlandy' feel from this part of the garden is taking some getting used to. So is the amount of extra light, but that's a lot easier to appreciate. Now I just need the two rowans and the hawthorn (all planted last year) to speed along. They're all only about a meter highat the moment, and seem so much smaller now that they're bathed in light, and the low braches of the laurel are no longer. Talking of which, I now have the logs I have covetted for so long:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01122-20110325-1319.jpg

Have acquired a chainsaw this weekend. Will give it a good clean and get the appropriate safety apparel before setting to work.

On an even more positive (and finger crossing) note..... I've began planting the roof Couldn't wait any longer, as Spring is simply racing ahead. Planted a few things I had planted in the garden in anticipation of having the roof ready in Spring. They've been up there a week now, and don't look too bad:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01095-20110316-1453.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01094-20110316-1449.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01093-20110316-1449.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01092-20110316-1449.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01090-20110316-1448.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/BlueDamsell/THE WILDLIFE SHED/IMG01089-20110316-1448.jpg

Chives, Penestemon, Wall-flowers, House leeks (with a bit of heather), Granny's Bonnets, Arabis and Eryngium. Since taking photos, I have also added a couple neglected, potted evening primroses. Having watered them all in with a cautious smile on my face. Still plenty of space for the seedlings I'm raising.

The chimney cap was a rescued from the tip if I remember correctly. I put a little straw into it and anticipate bees and other insects making their homes there. Need a couple more pallettes to finish the door. Lost count of the amount of pallettes used in this project to date.

Need to find a mechanism to keep the skylight lid open once I have hinged it to the frame. At the moment I completely remove it when accessing the roof. Also looks like I'll be using self-adhesive vinyl film to provide colour to the polycarbonate. Just need to collect the roll remnant from the printers.

Well, that's all for now. More on the way soon.

Hope you've all have a good weekend,

BD

 

Indeed JWK. I'm not even that far from you, but it makes that much difference it seems. Little threat of frost, and intermittent rain sounds good enough weather to settle them in. Have Have now planted a couple Agrimonies and a Bird's-foot-trefoil. Feeling my way as I go along, but do a fair aount of research into each plants usual habitat type. All very exciting. Documenting the green roof will be very interesting. I will definitely tak ethis further careerwise. I've simply fought it too long :DOH:

 

Not sure yet JWK. I did a degree in Architecture a couple years ago (just the degree, so not a qualified architect or anything like that), but keep finding myself tangled in a hedge of sustainable, architectural, landscaping and horticultural (mainly wildlife) design. I think my sense of direction has alluded me a little, although I know I like all the above and that they all complement each other. Hmmm....