Nestboxes

Since 2002 a large-scale scheme to provide artificial nesting sites for various species has been undertaken. The focus of this scheme was Barn, Tawny and Long-eared Owl and Kestrel. By 2007 over 70 boxes had been erected for Barn Owls adjacent to suitable habitat in addition to various boxes for Kestrels and Tawny Owls and over 30 baskets for Long-eared Owls.

Boxes for Tree Sparrow and Pied Flycatcher have also been erected at several sites to compliment several long standing schemes throughout the area.

Pied Flycatcher/Redstart

The majority of nesting Pied Flycatchers in the ringing area occur in the woodlands of the Washburn Valley with the mid-section woodlands being most productive, mainly due to the provision here of many nestboxes. It is hoped that this scheme will be expanded to include several other suitable woodlands where this species is known to occur. Redstarts take to the nestboxes less readily but are annual breeders. The numbers nesting in boxes are well down in recent years.