Thanet’s Oakwood homes estate agents have joined forces with Broadstairs Town Shed by commissioning 50 bug homes to be built from upcycled materials and then donated to all the local primary schools.
Oakwood homes commissioned Broadstairs Town Shed to make the bug homes as part of their sustainable project for 2023, aimed at bringing a greater understanding of the importance of wildlife and their hibernation habits.
All local primary schools have been supplied with a bug home to introduce into their forest school areas for children to watch, learn and understand the roles different insects and bugs play in the circle of life.
The Broadstairs Town Shed is a volunteer led initiative- a place for older people, (50+) to get together, and take part in DIY/woodwork and metalwork-based activities. Joining the Shed can help tackle loneliness and isolation, allows members to share and learn new skills, and increases community involvement and engagement.
The Shed works with many other local organisations and support groups, providing carpentry and woodworking skills to help those projects in turn.
The original Broadstairs Town Shed opened its doors in May 2014. It now has more than 130 registered members, from all walks of life and all levels of ability, who come together to make a new community group- the Shed ‘family’.
Natalie Wyborn, who heads up the Oakwood homes sustainability team said: “We are thrilled that Broadstairs Town Shed agreed to work with us on this project and would like to thank them for their great work in providing these bug homes.
“These now offer an amazing opportunity for children to actively watch and learn from real wildlife activities right on their doorstep. We do hope that the children all enjoy seeing the changes over time as it helps to bring an appreciation of the important part our bugs and insects play in the world around us.
“We have also planted an Oak tree in Ellington Park this year as part of our community sustainability programme and continue to plant trees every month for every sale and let that completes through our branches in East Kent. So far, we have planted over 2,000 trees.”
The Oakwood team have also listed a bug house on the Rightmove website as “an ideal home for all seasons” at a cost of £25!. Agent Dave Tappy joked: “We have started to receive enquiries and look forward to booking some viewings very soon!”
If you are interested in Oakwood homes working with your school, please get in touch with Natalie at [email protected]
