A new ‘bug hotel’ has opened at Lapworth station.
The habitat was constructed on railway land next to platform 2 at the station, Network Rail said.
It is the first project of the new ‘Wild Rails’ initiative to open in the hope of boosting biodiversity and environmental education.
Lucy Pickard, Friends of Lapworth station (FOLS), said: “We are thrilled to be part of the ‘Wild Rails’ project and to see the bug hotel come to life at the railway station.
“FOLS have invested significant time and effort in clearing and preparing the site for this project and we hope it will inspire more initiatives to enhance our station environment and connect the community with nature.”
Several partners have worked together to deliver the creepy-crawly accommodation.
The Heart of England Community Rail Partnership has teamed up with Network Rail Central route, E H Smith Builders Merchants, Friends of Lapworth Station and Lapworth Primary school to deliver the bug hotel at the station.
This facility is the first of many. Several other projects are set to be built as part of this expanding project.
‘Wild Rails’ is an initiative supporting schools along the Leamington Spa to Birmingham Moor Street railway line to help students learn more about biodiversity through interactive methods, as well as other curriculum based activities. The scheme is supported by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Students learn about what they can do to help their local environment and their friends in nature through small projects. Meanwhile, local insects and ecosystems benefit from the projects. Students even get the opportunity to vote on what they would like to plant or install at their local station – giving them a voice in how they can support their local community and local wildlife.
