Published on:
06
February 2009
National Nest Box Week, is launched every year on Valentine's Day. This year, Clackmannanshire Council Ranger Service is offering free nestboxes to 15 residents and holding a 'build a bird box' event at Gartmorn Dam.
The event will run from 1-3pm on Sunday 15th February at the Gartmorn Dam Visitors Centre. (Press are invited to send a photographer). Visitors will have the opportunity to build their own bird or bat box, and make a fat ball for feeding the birds.
The aim of National Nest Box Week is to encourage as many people as possible to put up nest boxes in order to help our breeding birds and other wildlife. The natural nest sites, on which many of our bird species depend, such as holes in trees and buildings, are fast disappearing as gardens and woods are 'tidied' and old houses are repaired. Since National Nest Box Week was launched in 1997 it is estimated that there are now 5-6 million boxes in gardens across the UK.
"Sadly, many of the natural nesting places of our favourite garden birds are disappearing as houses are renovated and trees are tidied up," said Guy Harewood, Clackmannanshire's Biodiversity Coordinator. "Nest boxes are an easy way to help and I would encourage everyone to put up a box in their garden, on their home, at school or at work.
"A nest box can give you great pleasure as you get to see wild birds set up home. If you put up a box during Nest Box Week you stand a chance of having a nesting pair of birds in your garden by spring, such as robins, blue tits, sparrows and wrens."
Clackmannanshire residents can call 01259 452639 to claim their free nest box. The offer is limited to the first 15 Clackmannanshire residents. Closing date 15 February.