Bug hotels in the Tamar valley

These photos were taken at an event at the new Tamar Trails Centre near Gulworthy.  I was invited along to run a guided walk and a session building 'bug hotels' with some local families.  It was, surprisingly, a blazing spring day, and everyone enjoyed themselves in the sunshine (me included).  We made one big bug hotel to stay in situ, and the children made portable ones from plant pots that they were able to take home. 

The idea is to create a structure that provides microhabitats for a range of invertebrates, and even small vertebrates such as frogs and rodents.  I added butterfly feeders made from plastic bottle bottoms to the uprights.  It's not pretty, but I can guarantee it's going to be popular with the creepy crawlies.

 

Jessica names the hotel

Flora adds some butterfly feeders.

The finished article.