It’s a bugs life! Connaught Court residents mark Garden Wildlife Week with bug hotel

To celebrate Garden Wildlife Week (31 May – 6 June), residents at Connaught Court, in Fulford, York, have been getting creative to support the wildlife around their care home.

Using natural materials from their garden, the residents have built small hotel rooms for insects and small animals to shelter in.

The residents filled open boxes with dry foliage, wood, pebbles, twigs, reeds, leaves and plenty of hollow stems such as bamboo for insects to crawl into.

According to The Wildlife Trusts, evidence has shown that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment can benefit both physical and mental health. Research also suggests that people with nature on their doorstep are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-round health.

Taking part in the activity, resident Peter March, said: “It was great getting our hands dirty, and making something with natural things, not bought plastic! I’m not sure what the bugs will make of it, but they can hide from the birds in there!”

Connaught Court’s Activities Coordinator Fran Tagg, said:

The activity was very entertaining with much laughter and discussion of the quality of woodlouse accommodation, and what on earth it was for. Our residents at Connaught Court love gardening and spending time outdoors. We’re always trying to make use of the green spaces around our Home, it’s so important for their wellbeing.

Resident Allen Deny and Activities Coordinator Fran Tagg build hotel rooms for the small animals