Learning About Habitats, Building for Wildlife
Over the years, many people have noticed that we don’t see as much wildlife as we once did. This is because habitats have changed, with hedgerows being removed, more buildings being built, warmer weather patterns affecting seasons, and chemicals in farming impacting insects and birds. In Science, pupils learn about living things and their habitats, and how environmental change can affect biodiversity. They also begin to understand that creatures such as bees, butterflies and birds can act as indicators of a healthy environment.
In this fun, hands-on workshop, pupils become “habitat heroes” as they design and build a Bug Hotel using natural materials such as sticks, leaves, pinecones and bark to create safe spaces for insects. This links to Science, where pupils explore animals and their habitats and how living things depend on their environment; Geography, where they consider how humans impact the natural world and how we can care for local environments and ecosystems; and Design & Technology, where they plan, design, make and evaluate a structure for a clear purpose.
Pupils are encouraged to think about what different insects need to survive and thrive, supporting the development of problem-solving skills, teamwork and early scientific enquiry. They explore how natural materials can be used in different ways and make shared decisions about how to construct their Bug Hotel, testing ideas and refining their design as they work.
A key learning focus is discovering how insects such as solitary bees use small tubes to lay their eggs. Pupils learn that these bees are harmless and play an essential role in pollination, supporting plant growth and food production.
By the end of the session, the Bug Hotel becomes a lasting feature in the school grounds, giving pupils ownership and pride. It also supports ongoing wildlife observation, linking learning back into the classroom and encouraging curiosity about the natural world around them.
Workshop Details
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Suitable for groups of up to 35 or 70 pupils
- Supports KS1 and KS2 Science, Geography, PSHE and Art & Design
- Interactive exploration of wildlife habitats, biodiversity and pollination
- Hands-on design and construction of a Bug Hotel using natural materials
- Exploration of how environmental change affects wildlife and ecosystems
- Encourages teamwork, creativity, problem-solving and scientific enquiry
This workshop is also available as an online option. Please get in touch for further details.
Subjects Covered:
- Mini Beasts
- Microhabitats
- PSHE
- STEM
- Life Processes and Living Things
- Endangered Animals
- Animals and Us
- Habitats
- Sustainability
- Pollution
- Nature
- Diversity
- Food Chains
- Identifying Animals
- Local Environments
- Citizenship
Workshop content is also perfect for special off timetable days including:
- Eco Days
- WOW Days
- Sustainability Week
- Science Week (7th – 16th of March)
- World Oceans Day (8th of June)
- National Recycling Week (10th – 16th of November)
