Junior Neighbourhood Wardens go wild

Several Bugs & Bits events took place in February half term for Junior Neighbourhood Wardens to learn more about environmental issues, whilst improving their local neighbourhoods.

Organised in partnership with the Rangers and Wilder Southampton, the fun events provided young people with opportunities to ask questions about nature and have a go at building homes to encourage more wildlife into our urban environments. The bird boxes and bug hotels they built will be installed in Weston, Millbrook, and Northam estates during the Easter holidays at the next Bugs and Bits2 events.

Scarlet Ward, a Junior Neighbourhood Warden who took part, said, “I loved making the bug hotel and learnt a lot about bees, especially that they don’t like to sting people”.

Jill from Wilder Southampton said, "These were brilliant events, which the Junior Wardens really enjoyed. I wanted to get involved because my job is to help people to look after nature. Giving young people the skills and knowledge to do this is really important."

Make your own bird box

Across the UK, birds are short of nesting holes. This is because gardens, parks and woodlands are neater and tidier than they used to be, plus modern buildings have few nooks and crannies which all deprive birds of natural holes to find a home. As a result, the population of many bird species has declined.

The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens are helping to encourage more birds to nest locally, and you can also do your bit to help our British birds.

Now is the perfect time to install or make a bird box for your outdoor space so birds can make a home in early spring before the new breeding season starts. Site it in a sheltered spot on a tree trunk, shed or wall at least 1.5m above the ground where it isn’t easily accessible by cats or squirrels and you may help to attract feathered visitors like blue tits, house sparrows, robins and starlings to your garden or balcony.

Get involved with the Junior Neighbourhood Warden scheme

If you, or someone you know, is aged 7 to 12 years old and would like to take part in the next Bugs and Bits event, simply join our Junior Neighbourhood Warden scheme for free. You can take part in fun activities, make new friends and learn new skills with the aim of developing a sense of citizenship and community pride. Plus, you’ll receive a membership card that also offers special discounts from Active Nation, including £1 swim at all swim centres, £1 gym at all centres, £5 ringos at Southampton Sports Centre and £5 kayaking at Woodmill. Simply sign up online