Local children create giant bug hotel at Community Woodland

Children joined Weymouth Town Council and the RSPB at the newly planted Children’s Community Woodland in Links Road to help improve it for wildlife last week.

The area was planted last winter with 510 native trees, as part of a nationwide campaign to plant a tree for every child that started school for the first time during the pandemic. The trees will help mitigate against climate change, provide food and shelter for wildlife and create a natural area for the community.

Local children did a fantastic job of creating a giant ‘bug hotel’ out of wooden pallets and natural materials – this will provide a home for a range of insects and other creatures, particularly over the winter months. Children also took part in a wildlife trail and scavenger hunts to learn more about woodland wildlife, and even made their own mini bug home to take home.

Mother of one of the participants, Ali Cairney said: “My daughter really did love every second and is already planning an extension on her bug hotel at home.”

Councillor Kate Wheller said: “It is vitally important to get young people engaged with wildlife and this is exactly what the Children’s Community Woodland is about. It was wonderful to see the children enjoying themselves and learning at the same time, and we look forward to seeing who moves into the splendid bug hotel!”