The Friends of Winckley Square (FoWS) have worked with university students to put temporary bug hotels on display in Winckley Square with a vision to make some permanent ones as part of ensuring that the gardens provide a healthy environment for both plants and animals.
Bug Hotels are structures that provide a habitat for a range of insect life which provides a rich food source for birds and small mammals.
They were placed in the south east section of Winckley Square Gardens on April 24 by FoWs working with University students.
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FoWS’ Patricia Harrison & Sally Stone approached the Institute of Architecture at the University of Central Lancashire with the suggestion that undergraduate students might like the challenge of designing Bug Hotels.
The response was very enthusiastic and students, working in groups, set about researching the key characteristics of an effective Bug Hotel.
They visited Winkley Square Gardens and discussed designs and potential locations with a member of the Parks’ team. They then worked on design and construction of possible models. They created prototypes using materials that were accessible but not robust enough for a long life outdoors.
When Sally, Patricia and Steve, FoWS members, visited UCLan to look at the outcomes they were blown away. Not just with the appearances, but with the level of research many of the students had undertaken. FoWS asked if the prototypes could be placed in the Square for a short period of time.
There was on-the-spot interest from passers-by. Sue Clarke, FoWS, immediately encountered members of the public who expressed an interest in getting engaged in the care of the Gardens.
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