Lapworth Station's local insect community is in for a treat after a brand-new bug hotel opened at the station.

The insect accommodation, built on land next to platform two, is the first to be built as part of a new 'Wild Rails' initiative, which aims to boost biodiversity and support local education.

The Heart of England Community Rail Partnership (Heart CRP) has teamed up with Network Rail Central route, Friends of Lapworth station, E H Smith Builders Merchants and Lapworth Primary School to build the new bug hotel at Lapworth Station, which is expected to be the first in an expanding property portfolio.

The 'Wild Rails' project supports schools along the Leamington Spa to Birmingham Moor Street railway line, teaching students about biodiversity through interactive and free curriculum-based activities supported by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

The bug hotel under construction (image via Network Rail)

Students learn about small steps they can take in their local area to help nature thrive and get the opportunity to vote on what they would like to plant or install at their local station.

Sarah Davison from Heart CRP, said: "It is wonderful to see how enthusiastic the students have been to contribute to a project in their local area.

"Having the opportunity to use the Lapworth community land from Network Rail has meant we could be much more ambitious with this new biodiversity installation. I'm hoping the local bugs will approve of their new residence!"

The hotel is part of the 'wild rails' initiative (image via Network Rail)

Fraser Pithie, communities manager for Network Rail Central route, said: "I'm pleased we have been able to put this piece of land to good environmental use, and what better way to use it than to support the local community, and particularly children with their environmental education.

"The land around the railway is home to a richly diverse variety of species and we do everything we can to protect it so we're really keen to support these types of projects.

"We hope students will benefit from this new community area by learning more about biodiversity and the railway at the same time."

Lucy Pickard, Friends of Lapworth station (FOLS), said: "We are thrilled to be part of the 'Wild Rails' project and to see the bug hotel come to life at the railway station.

"FOLS have invested significant time and effort in clearing and preparing the site for this project and we hope it will inspire more initiatives to enhance our station environment and connect the community with nature."