Tops Day Nurseries is proud to share that children from Tops Wareham have taken part in an exciting eco-activity by building a bug hotel at Carey Hall in Wareham. This nature-inspired project is part of the nursery’s wider commitment to sustainability, environmental learning, and community involvement.
What is a Bug Hotel?
A bug hotel is a manmade shelter created using natural and recycled materials to provide a habitat for beneficial insects such as ladybirds, beetles, woodlice, and solitary bees. Bug hotels help promote biodiversity, offer protection for pollinators, and support the natural ecosystem by giving these important creatures a safe place to nest and hibernate.
Children at Tops Wareham used wooden pallets, twigs, sticks, leaves, and other foraged items to construct their insect-friendly structure. The hands-on activity not only supported the children’s learning and development but also encouraged teamwork, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Mia Hawkins from Tops Wareham shared her thoughts on the experience, saying,
“We went to our local hall and used wooden crates to build a bug hotel. We learnt about different bugs and used our imaginations to discuss what bugs might live in there. We thought about the different areas that the bugs would live in. We even looked through a nature book to identify the different wildlife we saw. These activities help foster curiosity about the world around us and promote problem-solving skills as well as our imagination. At Tops Wareham, we use the natural world to promote learning and development, providing the children with opportunities to go on Trips in the local community, Forest school, and lots of garden activities.”
Embedding Sustainability in Early Years Education
Tops Day Nurseries has long been a leader in embedding sustainability into early years practice. The bug hotel initiative is one of many environmentally conscious activities that support the company’s goal of educating children to be kind, responsible, and aware of the world around them.
From planting wildflowers and vegetables to reducing plastic waste and engaging in forest school sessions, Tops Day Nurseries provides a wide range of experiences that celebrate and protect the natural environment.
Looking Ahead
As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, Tops Day Nurseries will continue to roll out similar nature-based projects across its nurseries. By teaching children about ecology and conservation from a young age, the organisation hopes to inspire a future generation of environmentally conscious citizens.