Bringing character and biodiversity to a community garden: A large bespoke bug hotel
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Project overview
Working with Croydon Council’s placemaking team and FM Conway, Meristem Design helped to deliver a biodiversity-centred installation at The Hive Community Garden behind Coulsdon Library. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project formed part of wider regeneration and greening works that we supported across the borough.
We designed, fabricated and installed a bespoke bug hotel spelling out the word ‘HIVE’ to create an engaging feature for the surrounding community while supporting pollinators and local wildlife.
Goal
The project aimed to introduce biodiversity improvements into a community space while creating an engaging feature for local residents, library visitors and the community gardening group. The goal of the bug hotel was to create a functional yet visually distinctive focal point to enhance the areas sense of character and identity.
Scope
The improvement project took place at The Hive Community Garden, located behind Coulsdon Library. The bespoke bug hotel measured approximately 3m x 1m and incorporated 18 individual habitat compartments made from a variety of natural and recycled materials including bamboo, perforated hardwood, bark, reeds, crushed stone and tiles.
Solutions
We designed, fabricated and installed a bespoke wildlife feature that combines biodiversity, placemaking and community engagement within a small public space. The bug hotel was developed to bring visual impact while also providing habitat opportunities for insects and pollinators.
Biodiversity-focused design
The striking 3m x 1m ‘HIVE’ bug hotel creates a functional habitat feature.
Recycled material use
Habitat compartments were built using recycled and natural materials including bamboo, perforated hardwood, reeds, bark, crushed stone and reclaimed tiles.
Creating visual identity
The 'HIVE' spelling design reflects the surrounding community and anchors the space with a centre piece to provide additional character.
Integrated public realm greening
Delivered in partnership with Croydon Council's wider regeneration scheme.
Impact
The new bug hotel installation helps to build a healthier public realm whilst supporting Croydon Council’s wider goals of climate resilience, biodiversity and community wellbeing.
Increased urban biodiversity
Provides valuable habitat space for bees, ladybirds, beetles and other important pollinators.
Enhanced public spaces
Introduces a fun and engaging green installation for the local community.
Supports placemaking goals
Contributes towards Croydon Council's wider environmental objectives.
Improved community wellbeing
Helped create a healthier, more people-friendly public space that encourages interaction with nature.
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Fabrication
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