Gochsheim kids build nesting boxes and insect hotels for nature!

Gochsheim kids build nesting boxes and insect hotels for nature!

The love of nature is very important in Gochsheim. Last weekend, 19 curious children aged seven to twelve had the chance to show off their craft skills and do something good for the environment at the same time. Under the guidance of experienced members of the Gochsheim Horticultural and Regional Conservation Association, including Ernst Bartels, Werner Böhnlein, Michael Fasel, Bernd Gräfner and Walter Kornacker, the little hobbyists were able to realize various projects. From bird nesting boxes to bird feeders to insect hotels, there was something for everyone.

Insights into the activities

The children were divided into two groups and worked on their building projects with great enthusiasm. A variety of activities were planned for the two hours they had available: drilling, screwing, nailing, spraying and cutting were on the agenda. The motivated helpers were quickly involved in one or two tricky tasks, and so the time flew by. The shady communal campsite provided the perfect backdrop for the creative phase.

The kits and materials were provided by the club and after a short briefing about safety and materials we got started. The carers paid particular attention to ensuring that the children used environmentally friendly materials. “We want to promote biodiversity and protect the local insect world,” emphasized Bartels, something that remained in the children’s minds during their construction work.

Why insect hotels are important

Insect hotels are not only a beautiful decorative element in the garden, they also play a crucial role in ecological balance. Over a million species of insects live on earth, and many of them are essential for plant growth. This includes not only the hard-working wild bees, which are excellent pollinators, but also beetles and butterflies, which can find shelter in a self-made insect hotel. The Adventure Troll highlights the many advantages of an insect hotel: it not only promotes biodiversity and helps with nature conservation, but also offers an exciting learning place for the whole family.

Building and maintaining an insect hotel

An insect hotel offers, above all, a wealth of facets. Using different materials such as wood, bamboo and reeds, different needs of insect species can be taken into account. It is important that all materials used are untreated to ensure the well-being of the little residents. The size and structure of the insect hotel should be adapted to the space and biodiversity in the area. A deep, well-structured hotel will attract many beneficial insects, such as lacewings and earwigs.

“It just takes a little time and creativity,” says one supervisor, showing that building an insect hotel is a great way for families to spend time together in nature. On the website Learning weasel You will find helpful instructions and tips for DIY projects and the correct care of insect hotels, which remains important even after the construction project.

At the end of the day, heads were full of ideas and the little builders were proud of their work. “The motivation varied, but everyone took something home that they could be proud of,” summed up one supervisor. And indeed, when the parents picked them up, many faces lit up - because the love of nature has found a permanent place in the hearts of these children.