Looking after wildlife….

Looking after wildlife….

YCV install lots of bird boxes around the village. These are designed to attract a range of species, for the most part they need an annual inspection during autumn and winter to see what, if anything, has used them. We record the location by name of the site then by "what.3.words" satellite navigation system. Now we have added to the system by attaching a numbered disc to the box. This will help to identify boxes close together. It will help as well if the public reports a problem at a specific box.

We have a programme of replacing boxes that are damaged or rotten with a wider range of types and an improved style of box with better sealed roofs to keep them dry, are front opening and have metal nest hole guards to help protect the nesting birds against predators.

Checking the boxes is always exciting to see what, if anything, has used them and record the story from the evidence and if necessary, clean them out. However, if we find other hibernating creatures, then we leave them alone, just pleased that the box has served another purpose.

Recently we inspected boxes that had been put up in the Churchyard. Out of the 8 bird boxes we checked we found 6 had been occupied, one contained two old eggs, and one which had no nest but had a dead great tit in it.

This represents a lot of bird activity in the area making it a very good site.

When there were lots of old woodlands, nesting birds could usually find a nest hole in a tree.

Woodpeckers are perhaps the best at creating holes by chiselling out holes in rotten wood but they always want a new one each year thus leaving lots of holes for the many other hole nesting birds.

We can carry out the task of the woodpeckers by supplying them with artificial homes.

Each bird requires their own special requirements of box dimensions, entrance size and type of site.

We make all of our nest boxes out of reclaimed wood but we have to buy the screws, nest hole protectors and the brackets for attachment.

We make boxes for:

Robins and wrens , different types of tits and sparrows, starlings, swift boxes, tawny owl and barn owl.

We also make and install bat and habitat boxes as well.

Many birds are territorial so, for example, it is not a good idea to put up more than one bluetit box in a garden because of their rivalry but you can have a suite of different boxes. Other birds like sparrows and swifts like company so a group can be installed.

Nest boxes are a great way to help our local bird life but they also need a food supply to feed their young in spring. This means a plentiful supply of caterpillars and other insects so when you are planning your garden for next spring do think about how you can help the insects in your garden as this will help the birds successfully raise their young next year.

If you would like to help us look after the orchard or help us with our projects around the village please do get in touch: 

secretary@ycv.org.uk