Celebrating National Nest Box Week in style

The sunniest day of the half term the valley of Poltesco resounded with the noise of hammering and the occasional yelp! On Tuesday 17th February 15 families got involved with giving birds a helping hand at the National Trusts’ bird in a box event at Poltesco. The event, held annually offers children, young people and their families the chance to make their own bird boxes, get advice about how and where to put them up plus lots of other ways to help our dwindling garden bird population.

Families enjoying the early spring sunshine and activities at Poltesco

The event was offered through the Wild Lizard Partnership Project, a partnership project that involves several conservation organisations that work on the Lizard including National Trust, Helford VMCA, Natural England and the more recently Cornwall Wildlife Trust.  With over 50 people making 25 bird boxes it was certainly a busy day. Volunteers from the National Trust and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust all got involved with the families helping them make bird boxes, weaving willow bird feeders, getting messy making pine cone bird feeders pine cones and having a go at making their own nests, there was plenty to get involved with!

The decorating of the bird boxes was taken very seriously

Ahhh....it is that lardy pine cone time of year again

The making of the nests was very popular with the younger partcipants, especially when the chocolate egg bird paid a visit!

This popular annual event that takes place during National Bird Box week has grown from strength to strength. I was amazed when the morning session booked up so quickly we decided to put on another session in the afternoon, doubling the number of bird boxes and feeders made, giving our local birds a great start to the nesting season.

Katie, one of the National Trusts full time volunteers helps families

These events couldn't be run if it weren't for the great team of Wild Lizard volunteers who play such an important role in helping us provide positive experiences in the outdoors for local families and visitors. With events becoming more popular we are looking to extend our team of volunteers.

 If you have a love of the natural environment, would like to share your enthusiasm to inspire others and want to get involved with the project then please get in touch with me on 01326 291174 or claire.scott@nationaltrust.org.uk. 

When we have events like this everyone comes away feeling really excited that they have made a difference to help our wildlife even if it is one bird box or lardy pine cone feeder at a time!