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Des. Res for Rent
Posted: 14th March 2011
The latest additions to the wildlife housing scheme have just gone up in the form of two Kestrel nest boxes. Both overlook the new fruit orchard on the west and north hedges. One is in an ivy clad willow tree (photo 216), the other is in a low sycamore. The boxes were skilfully made by the workshop team who also lent Richard and me the kit to put them up. We chose a quite windy afternoon, which made things a bit more tricky, but I just hope that my idea of a good site matches the thinking of Mr & Mrs Kestrel!!! Time will tell.
The new hazel saplings have also been put in. (photo 199) As with other plantings, one of the biggest challenges will be protecting them from the rabbits in the area. One small copse we put in during winter 2009 has had almost 50% of the plants ‘pruned’ despite the trees having guards. We have just ordered some more substantial mesh to add to the hazel once they’ve had a good woodchip mulch. The density of the plants will allow for some mechanical grass/weed control until the trees create a canopy of their own.
On the wildlife front, we’re keeping our eyes open for the first spring migrant birds. Sand Martins and Wheatears will most likely feature first and they may well cross paths with some of the winter residents as they leave. Starling numbers are already starting to drop.
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