Nest Boxes

The Society's members have always been active in erecting nest boxes at sites throughout the area. These have mainly been on an ad-hoc basis, and have rarely been properly monitored and maintained.

However, the Committee decided to establish a proper nest box scheme during 1997. The first nest boxes which were installed under this initiative were placed at Hether Wood with kind permission of the National Trust. The boxes were built by Charles Hull and put in place by Charles, George Fletcher and David Morris, the local National Trust Warden at Bickerton during December 1997. Hether Wood covers the steep south facing slope of Bickerton Hill with the Sandstone Trail running along the southern boundary of the wood. This location (between Grid Ref 496552 and 500522) was selected as it contained, amongst other tress, a number of mature oaks which looked ideal for Pied Flycatcher and Redstart. Six boxes were built and installed, but during installation, a further 9 boxes, mostly in poor condition were discovered. These boxes were renovated by Charles Hull and Jed Barlow during Dec 1999, and so the Society now looks after all 15 boxes.

On 30th May 1998, these boxes held 4 pairs of Great Tits and 3 pairs of Blue Tits. More recently, an inspection during May 1999 showed that 4 pairs of Blue Tits had raised 40 young, and 4 pairs of Great Tits had raised 35 young. In addition, a pair of Grey Squirrels had used a box to raise 2 young. Unfortunately we have not yet attracted Pied Flycatcher or Redstart, but our work here continues.

The Society has also erected 7 nest boxes at Bar Mere in the vicinty of the birdwatching hide (including some specifically aimed at Willow Tits), 6 nest boxes at Hurleston Reservoir and 12 at Batherton - including boxes for Tree Sparrow and Tawny Owl. The Tawny Owl box was an instant hit, and an owl could be seen sitting near the box on most days, so fingers crossed we should have some success there.

The lovely countryside at Bickerton is home to some of the Society's nest boxes which are sometimes used by Blue Tits