Green-fingered North Staffordshire school pupils joined homeowners at Brookfields House to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about wildlife. 

School children from St Mary's Catholic Primary in Newcastle-under-Lyme joined Brookfields House homeowners to gather natural materials and build bug hotels. 

The activity gave the homeowners at the new retirement community on Clayton Road the chance to share their love of gardening with the younger generation.  

Homeowner Cilla, who took part in the event, said: "It was lovely to share our gardens with the children and pass on a love of gardening and nature.

The pupils and homeowners made their own bug hotels. (Adlington Retirement Living)

"If we can spark their curiosity about wildlife and growing things, that feels like a gift to the next generation."

Guided by Adlington Retirement Living's garden design expert James King and his colleague Josh Slater, the children and homeowners at Brookfields House worked side by side whilst enjoying the gardens. 

James said: "We design and maintain the gardens for homeowners to enjoy all year round." 

He explained that bug hotels also play an important role in creating a healthy balanced garden. 

By attracting beneficial insects, they help to keep pests under control, improve soil fertility and support the wider ecosystem. 

James King with pupils from St Mary's Catholic Primary School. (Adlington Retirement Living)

This is particularly valuable during dry spells, as richer soils can retain water for longer, helping the gardens at Brookfields House to flourish.

Mike Keane, general manager at Brookfields House, said: "It was wonderful to welcome the children to Brookfields House. 

"Their enthusiasm was infectious, and the bug hotels will be a great addition to our gardens."

After the bug hotel building, the children enjoyed refreshments in the activities studio and were given a tour of the retirement community with Mike. 

The visit clearly made an impression - one child announced they planned to live at Brookfields House when they turn 55, while another said they were going to start saving straight away so they could buy an apartment there. 

Mrs Ravenscroft, assistant headteacher at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, said: "Our pupils loved getting their hands dirty and learning more about nature. 

"They were impressed by how beautiful the gardens already are, and they're excited to come back in the future to see how their planting and the bug hotels have developed."

 Homeowner John added: "I think it's wonderful to foster good relationships with our local schools. 

"Hopefully this will be the first of many visits. I know the children are looking forward to coming back to see how their bug hotels develop."

Brookfields House offers 75 one, two and three-bedroom age-exclusive apartments, alongside a range of communal facilities including a homeowners' lounge, coffee lounge, restaurant, hair salon, therapy room, and activities. 

A dedicated team is on hand around the clock, with optional tailored care packages available for extra peace of mind.

 If you would like to find out more, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Brookfields House, on Clayton Road, from 10am to 5pm. Call 01782 958850 to find out more or visit adlington.co.uk.

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