Over half-term, we were able to host events across two sites in order to reach even more local families and benefit the wildlife in many more gardens.
Here at the Countryside Centre, we held two days of bird-box building to celebrate National Nestbox Week. With wood generously donated, and upcycling tyre innertubes for hinges, we offered kits suitable for robins (open front) or blue tits (small hole). Children were assisted by their family to nail the kits together and they took charge of the decoration. They left with advice on how to position the box and how to further weatherproof the wood with a sealant and roof covering. Whilst here, they borrowed binoculars to go bird watching around the reserve with the Wildlife Watch garden bird spotter sheet. Attendees sent us some lovely feedback including these kind words:
“Very good value for money.”
“The staff are very kind and helped us to build our box when we struggled!”
“It was very good all round but particularly the attentive and welcoming staff. They were able to seamlessly support all the families and extending the learning of both adults and children.”
"It was something my older daughter could enjoy without feeling out of place. A lot of wildlife/nature activities are usually aimed at a lot younger children, so this was ideal. More for older kids please!"
We can't wait to hear if these new homes get residents this spring. If you'd be able to donate materials like wood for more craft events like this, please let us know. Thank you!
