TWO young people from New Hope helped to spruce up a big hotel in the centre of Worcester.

Crowngate Shopping Centre worked with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to install the bug hotel in its Saw Mill Walk garden.

Located between Crowngate and The Hive, the garden is a purpose-built wildlife sanctuary, which utilises garden waste to provide a haven for hedgehogs, bees, ladybirds, and more.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust spent the morning with two young adults from New Hope Worcester, teaching them to plant wildflower seeds and bulbs donated by St Peters Garden Centre on Monday, October 30.

As well as supporting larger projects such as the Wild Pollinators Project, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust also provides advice on smaller projects such as the bug hotel at Crowngate and has been a key partner in its creation.

Liz Yorke, engagement officer at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “Worcestershire Wildlife Trust offer support for communities wanting to help wildlife where they live and helping New Hope Worcester to plant spring bulbs and wildflowers around the bug hotel, they’ve ensured that there’s plenty of food for the insects to feed from next year.”

New Hope Worcester, which is Crowngate’s charity of the year, provides support to children, helping them learn and develop freely.

The charity’s aim is to respect every child as an individual regardless of gender, cultural background or ability.

Crowngate has been proud to support the charity throughout 2023 and has helped raise funds in a number of different ways including a clothes sale and a tombola. 

Michael Lloyd, Crowngate Centre Manager, said: “It’s been great working with both the Wildlife Trust and New Hope.

“They both do amazing work in our community so it’s great to welcome the Bug Hotel and bring these two wonderful organisations together.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the community’s supportive response to the Bug hotel with many regular visitors including the local school. It’s certainly made me think differently about bugs.”