One of the Braidwater Group’s biodiversity measures is set to be officially launched this Thursday morning as part of its ‘Net Zero Emissions’ strategy at Beech Hill View, Glenshane Road.

The Inn at Drumahoe or more commonly known as the Insect Hotel…

Primary 6 and 7 pupils from Drumahoe Primary School will help launch the ‘Bog Garden’ at Beech Hill View when they will also get an update on the measures now in place which include a ‘bog,’ ‘insect hotel’ and a ‘wildlife hedgerow.’

The biodiversity measures aim to improve shelter, nesting and food options for wildlife in the area, through the provision of natural habitat.

Darren Farnan, marketing manager, Braidwater speaking ahead of Thursday’s launch said: ‘As part of this process we asked pupils from Drumahoe Primary School to name the bog garden, insect hotel and wildlife hedgerow and we’ve come up with some fantastic names:

Bog Garden name: Big Beautiful Beech Hill Bog
The insect hotel name: The Inn at Drumahoe
The general area name: Squelshie Land
Bog area name: The Dragonfly Bog
Wildlife hedgerow: The Bees of Drumahoe Wildlife Hedgerow

Stressing that the measures will provide nesting and foraging opportunities for bees and provide a food supply for many animals, Darren added: ‘The bog garden will also attract more species such as frogs, newts, cranes and water beetles with the area fenced off with chestnut paling. The woodpile, or ‘insect hotel,’ will allow for insect habitat and provide a food supply for birds, frogs and hedgehogs. 

‘This all feeds into the wider Council pollinator plan and, we at Braidwater are delighted to be able to play a small part along with the pupils from Drumahoe Primary School.’ 

The wildlife hedgerow will provide important nesting and foraging opportunities for bees…

Darren also added: ‘To further enhance the biodiversity measures at Beech Hill View we will be increasing the tree-planting in open areas and creating pockets of mature growth for pollinators to thrive.

Braidwater is also in discussion with the Woodland Trust on how the Group can support woodland development in the local community and are expecting further movement on this shortly.

The area where the bog garden is located at Beech Hill View will also include densely planted shrubbery for nature camouflage, a willow walkway with a willow dome to act as a hide to observe all the activity.

Concluding, Darren added: ‘We hope the biodiversity measures are a win-win for all involved including local residents, the community and most importantly, nature!’