Local learners build habitats for bugs

The project is aimed at actively involving learners in nature conservation

November 28, 2022

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

Seen during the installation of Eco Kids Primary’s insect hotel installation at the Korsman Bird Sanctuary are back Jane Trembath (chairman of the Korsman Conservancy) and Ros Gardener (Eco Kids Enviroclub coordinator). Front are some of the Grade Six learners, who were involved in building the hotel Jessica Haman, Daniela Nazareth and Harrison Fouché.

New developments on the banks of the Korsman Bird Sanctuary are bound to attract many new residents, as three local schools start erecting their newly completed insect hotels.

Schools and educational environmental clubs were once again invited to build these eco-friendly units to encourage a wider variety of insects to nest in the area.

With the use of mostly natural products, it is hoped that more diverse bug populations will take up residence in hotels which would also give lovers of the sanctuary a rare glimpse into the daily activities of a bug’s life.

Eco Kids Primary’s Grade Six learners set to work on November 18 to install their ‘eco bug villa’ which they had been working on for the past two months.

The Eco Kids Primary Enviroclub’s bug hotel is now at the Korsman Bird Sanctuary.

According to the coordinator of the school’s Enviroclub, Ros Gardener, the invitation to be part of the initiative, is in line with the school’s ethos to encourage learners to learn about the environment, becoming active participants in its conservation.

“Planning, designing and building the habitat was great fun,” said Harrison Fouché, one of the learners.

“We worked as a team to create something fun to offer safe shelter for insects. Their natural spaces are always being invaded by humans, but now we can make a change.”

Jane Trembath, chairperson of the Korsman Conservancy, says community involvement programmes such as these are vital in ensuring that the youth gain first-hand experience in nature conservation to ensure that local insect and bird life is preserved.

“I hope people visiting the pan will stop and look at our hotel to see how insects live, what their role in the environment is and to do their best to ensure that these critters remain in their natural habitats,” said Fouché.