Bug Hotel Competition Winner Crowned By Biologist And TV Presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff

News
16/10/2020

Crossman Group, the building company responsible for the Masters Church development in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, has chosen the winner of its Design a Bug Hotel competition with the help of biologist and TV presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff.


The winning bug hotel plan, designed by 10-year-old Ellis of Southville featuring a replica mini church will be incorporated into a new park area being created as part of the Masters Church development, which will be donated to South Gloucestershire Council.


Matthew Halstead, a director at Crossman Group says:

“We were really impressed with Ellis’ bug hotel design, especially with the level of background research and detail. Ellis has carefully thought about the needs of the insects and bugs that will be calling the hotel home and went to extraordinary lengths to explain how the hotel should be constructed.”


The development, which is half way to being completed, will see the conversion of Masters Church into 19 apartments, the erection of three new build homes and the creation of a new park area. The site is adjacent to the Whitfield Tabernacle, one of the most at-risk Grade One listed buildings in the UK. The iconic building dates back to 1741 and is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Methodist movement.


Miranda Krestovnikoff says:

“Ellis’ design for a bug hotel was incredibly well researched, thought out and detailed. She had given careful consideration to many different species Including solitary bees, lacewings and woodlice and used a variety of different materials to ensure a diversity of habitats, and therefore species would benefit from this shelter. She’d even included instructions for other people to make their own bug hotel. I can’t wait to see the finished result!”


In addition to the conversion of Masters Church, Crossman Group has pledged to assist in the renovation and rebuilding of the neighbouring derelict burnt out shell of the Whitfield Tabernacle, working closely with the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust.


www.crossmangroup.co.uk