The ‘Bug Motel’ initiative was a major biodiversity project, established under Evolve’s previous SGN Natural Gas brand, that saw over seventy schools across our network area gifted with impressive wooden homes for all sorts of insects.
We managed to create enough sustainable Bug Motels for every primary school on our network, and they were up and running just in time for some miniature squatters to take up residence for the summer holidays.
The motels have proven to be a huge hit with local primary school pupils, teachers, and all others involved in the project. They have provided the ideal opportunity to educate youngsters on the many different types of invertebrates that make up our incredible ecosystem, and the importance of spiders, ladybirds, bees, beetles, and other creatures to the environment.
However, just how important can this ‘bug hospitality’ possibly be? The truth is, Bug Motels can have a significant impact on biodiversity. Don’t just take our word for it though, as Enniskillen Integrated Primary School Eco Co-ordinators Una O’Donnell and Edel Leonard explain: “The Bug Motel is now pride of place in our school grounds. The Eco team researched, collected, and added a range of materials that would suit the visitors to our Bug Motel. Our Eco Schools programme has been an integral part of our curriculum for more than 10 years. During this time, we have been focusing on the topic of biodiversity as one of our major themes in preparation for our Green Flag award.
“The Bug Motel is positioned within range of our polytunnel, willow dome and garden area. It is suitably placed to attract a whole range of visitors. We will use it as part of our outdoor learning curriculum along with other Eco Schools activities. Children from nursery up to year 7 will be able to investigate and explore the many minibeasts and visitors to our Motel. It is open all year round!”
Evovle looks forward to continuing work on biodiversity projects in the near future. Learn more about our other initiatives including Plan Bee and Little Acorns.
