A recent inter-schools project paved the way for an insect paradise to be made available at the Korsman Conservancy in Westdene.
Insect hotels, consisting of materials such as dead wood, reeds and grass, were created by learners from Benoni High School and Linden School (Lakefield/Westdene).
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Signposts indicating which school group created the hotels were also embedded on site.
Chairperson of the conservancy Jane Trembath co-organised the project with Benoni High School art teacher Stephanie Geral.
“Stephanie and I organised a project for school learners to create insect hotels and erect them at Korsman,” said Jane.
“It’s fun and educational and the idea has also been implemented overseas.”
A sign post erected near the insect hotels explains the concept.
“Insects are essential to the environment for pollination, pest control and as part of the ecological food chain.
“Beetles, ladybirds, solitary bees and solitary wasps, nest and hibernate in different natural materials.
“These insect hotels are created by school learners to enhance the environment and our understanding of the natural world.”
Jane said natural materials from Korsman, which the insects are familiar with, were also available to the learners to use.
“Wood, natural bark, grass and bamboo and some of the materials used are sure to last at least a few years.”
Principal of Linden School Caylin Dewey said the learners were familiar with Korsman and that the project was something they were glad to be a part of.
Benoni High School teachers JC Greyling and Carmin Mohr agreed that the insect hotel was a good idea.
“Grade 11 design learners found the project extremely interesting and useful for community practically and environmentally,” said JC.
“We are primarily concerned with nature conservation,” said Carmin on behalf of the Benoni High Wildforce Nature Group.
“Having constructed the insect hotel, apart from fun and togetherness which the learners experienced during construction, everyone is eager to see which creatures will ‘honour’ our hotel and live and thrive there.
“We cannot wait to see the results.”
Stehphanie Geral said the learners enjoyed representing their schools and next year their aim is to involve many more schools and fill up the space with insect hotels and bird sculptures.
“Aesthetics and conservation will come together and attract visual interest at the pan,” said Stephanie.
“The materials used should be found freely and the low cost approach was appealing.
“The learners bonded as a group while learning to appreciate conservation.”
