Being an animal lover myself I thought that a national nest box week was a great idea. Providing safe habitats to encourage birds to breed which in turn encourages species diversity. The following article is all about Monkton Elm Garden Centre getting behind the initiative.

Another species that really seems to need our help at the moment is bees. Last year did anyone else notice a distinct lack of bees? There are things we can do to help for example lavender bushes in our gardens. Click here for more information. 

Taunton embraces

National Nest Box Week

HOME is where the heart is not just for humans this Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2010)...

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Taunton is encouraging bird lovers to look after their feathered friends by putting up a nest box this February.

Dean Wildman, Gardening Hall Buyer at the garden centre, which is located at Monkton Heathfield, explained: “We are putting together displays, handing out complimentary bird care leaflets and offering free advice to visitors during the British Trust for Ornithology’s National Nest Box Week, which runs from Sunday, February 14 until Sunday, February 21. The aim of National Nest Box Week is to encourage people to put up nest boxes to help breeding birds.

“Natural nest sites, which bird species depend on, such as trees and old buildings, disappear when we tidy our gardens, so there’s never been a better time to invest in a nest box. The event is designed to promote the ‘nesting instinct’ in birds and give breeding birds a home, which is apt as the week launches on Valentine’s Day.

“We’re encouraging bird lovers, gardeners, wildlife groups and schools to put up a box and provide a safe and comfortable environment in which birds can nest successfully.”

National Nest Box Week, which has been established since 1997 and is organised by Britain’s leading bird research charity, encourages people to put up nest boxes in their area in order to promote biodiversity and conservation of breeding birds and wildlife. It is estimated that there are now more than six million boxes in gardens across the UK.

During the event, free information leaflets will be available for people to take away. There will also be displays of bird baths, tables, feeders and wild bird food.

Dean added: “Garden birds find it difficult to find food at this time of year so by putting food out for them, particularly food with a high fat content, you are increasing their chances of survival hugely. Unlike mammals, birds do not store fat so they have to stock up on enough food each day to survive through the night.”