This story courtesy of Stevel Heal in the Council Communications Office

Gateshead Council will be making its own contribution to a national campaign to provide nesting sites for garden birds next month.
A “make-your-own-nestbox� event is being organised by Gateshead Council’s Countryside Team on Saturday 10 February to help local people to build nestboxes for their own garden - in readiness for the British Trust for Ornithology’s “National Nest Box Week� which starts later that week.

The event, which costs £3, will give people the chance to build their own nestbox which they will be able to take home with them. There will also be the chance to join the council’s resident bird expert on a visit to Gateshead Council’s newest bird hide at Lamesley Pastures Nature Reserve for a spot of bird watching.

Peter Bell from Gateshead Council’s Countryside Team says: “A growing shortage of nest sites in Britain is something which is causing wildlife experts and ornithologists real concern.

“Many of the traditional holes in trees and houses which garden birds use are disappearing - perhaps due to recent increased interest in home and garden. Improvements. Even the humble House Sparrow, which was once one of our most common garden birds, is finding it increasingly difficult to find its traditional nest holes under the eaves of buildings - because many of them are now sealed up, often with uPVC.

“However, many species of birds can be encouraged to use nestboxes and this event will give people the chance to make their own, and receive expert guidance on where to erect it.�

The event runs from 10.00 am till midday and is suitable for all ages – but participants are warned to wrap up warm as the nest box building will be taking place outside in the car park of the Ravensworth Arms Hotel in Lamesley.

A second after-school event is being held on Tuesday 13 February from 4pm - 6pm at Whickham Library, where people will be able to make a nest box for Whickham Library's new nature garden or, for a charge of £3, make their own bird nest box and fat-ball feeder to take home.

The event is suitable for all ages and abilities and all tools and help will be provided.

The British Trust for Ornithology’s “National Nest Box Week� runs from 14 - 21 February and aims to encourage people to put up nest boxes to improve gardens and other habitats for nesting birds.