Emily’s Allotment Blog #3 - Feb 24

For the February half term we had a staycation so a project like building a bug hotel was welcome entertainment. It provided outings beyond just the task of constructing the bug hotel; the kids were convinced to go on plenty of walks too with the task of collecting sticks, leaves and pebbles. It’s also been a project we could crack on with whilst it’s been too wet to do anything on the plot. Lots of wins all round.

For those wondering what a bug hotel is, the basic idea is to create a structure that provides a variety of hiding places and nesting spaces for insects. You can use a variety of materials, such as wood, straw, leaves, and mud. We chose to use pallets for the main structure and have been busy stuffing the layers with a variety of materials. We’ve even managed to use some of the materials left over from clearing some of the mound at the back of plot 7b. Thank you for the donations of wood, canes and straw.

Whilst building the bug hotel, my girls have been busy asking lots of questions about the insects that will hopefully make it their home soon. We’ve had lots of conversations about the importance of creating a wildlife-friendly space and the role insects play in pollination. They’ve been thinking about which insects need which habitats at each stage of their life cycles. Thank you google for providing some of the answers!!

We’ve got a few final plans for the bug hotel, including a roof with a cavity for soil and some wildlife friendly plants. We’re also looking forward to seeing a sign with the bug hotels name on soon. There have been plenty of excellent suggestions for a name for the hotel; the votes are in and Buggingham Pallets was the winner.

We’re hopeful that the residents start to move in soon and we can attract plenty of pollinators like bees and butterflies, and predatory insects like ladybirds and lacewings. And if the kids at the allotment have something to check out whilst down there, that’s an added bonus.