We had such a fun time at the build your own
Bird Box Workshop on Saturday 5th February
Thank you to all of the children, parents and grandparents that got involved today at the Poulshot Village Hall. We really enjoyed watching all of the children have a chance to practice those DIY skills and really get to grips with where birds will (hopefully) be nesting before long.
The bird boxes were a labour of love; the flat packs built by Jim Nichols where made from a soft wood so needed a coat of paint to help make the boxes last a good few years. We provided a water based paint for the children to take home, paint and add their own designs ready to put up in their gardens. We gave away a nesting box installation guide for some tips on where to place the Oak and Pine wooden bird boxes.
We had the materials for some little bird feeders called ‘bird kebabs’ prepared for the children using floristry wire, garden twine, apples and raisins. These are great fun to make, sourced from the RSPB website
There is an awesome ‘leaf hunt challenge’ we found on the Tractor Ted website for when the leaves start to emerge; to encourage families to embrace the wintery weather and experience some walks investigating different leaf types.
This event made us at the Village Trust feel like we’ve really worked well as a team, honing in on the workwork skills of the village; some really experienced nest box building chaps; combined with the enthusiasm and support of our existing and new Village Trust Members.
All of this could not have been made possible had it not been for a few local hero suppliers:
Sydenhams in Devizes who generously donated a vast amount of the raw materials to make our softwood bird boxes
Townsend Barn Nursery who not only shared the event amongst all of the lovely parents, they also provided much of the art work, puzzles, posters and fact sheets for the children to enjoy and learn more about british wild birds. During some of their classes leading up the event they also had some of the children create some amazing bird artwork complete with feathers and paper, which we displayed in the hall for all to enjoy
Wilco’s in Devizes who kindly provided some funds to spend on much needed art materials, the water based paint used to protect the softwood bird boxes and the wire to help install the boxes on to trees around the village
Beechfield Reclamation who provided the gorgeous seasoned Oak planks which were turned into our hardwood bird boxes
BBC Radio Wiltshire also called up and spoke to us live during the event, you can catch Sue Davies chat to Village Trust Chair Lucy Russell at about 35 mins in to this recording here
We have captured a few images from the family activity day, lots of satisfied smiles all around. We look forward to planning the next event – watch this space!!
If you have taken once of our bird boxes home, please email in pictures of them once they’ve been put up, we’d love to see their new homes
We would also love to hear from you if any birds nest in your boxes this season, you can email us or get in touch with us on our social media pages via Facebook or Instagram @poulshotvt