PUPILS from a north Pembrokeshire primary school have built a bug hotel in the Gwaun Valley in a bid to promote pollinators and boost biodiversity in their local area.

Class 2 pupils at Ysgol Llanychllwydog at Pontfaen built the insect inn with help from National Park Authority ranger Richard Vaughan, who is a former student of the school.

Richard said: “The children have been learning about the food of the world and the importance of pollinators, so this project provided them with an ideal opportunity to make a difference in their community.

“The bug hotel has been built on land in the middle of Pontfaen with kind permission from Pembrokeshire County Council, allowing residents and visitors to see and enjoy what the children have achieved. It is hoped they will also be inspired to build something similar in their own gardens.”

The children have filled the small wooden structure with bricks and logs that will provide a happy home and suitable breeding ground for insects such as ladybirds and beetles to pollinators such as bees. These in turn provide food for other wildlife such as birds.

A hedgehog box has also been installed at the site to encourage even more diverse wildlife to thrive in the valley.

Mererid Francis, from the school, said: “It has been a great experience for the children to learn about pollination while using practical skills, which will enhance the community in the future.

“The school is extremely fortunate to be working with outside organisations such as the National Park Authority and is grateful to Richard for his support.”