Nesting success in Spurrell's Wood

Cleaning out the nest-boxes at Spurrell's Wood - clear evidence of breeding success

I spent yesterday afternoon with Helen, another trustee, finishing checking and cleaning out the nest-boxes in Spurrell's Wood - following the excellent efforts made by our corporate volunteers. In a year when summer migrants and resident breeding birds have struggled somewhat, it was pleasing to discover that nearly half the boxes showed some kind of activity. We're now busy compiling a report to send to those kind people who sponsored a box back in February, at our Felbeck Trust National Nest-box Event. Overall, looking at the occupation rates and assuming that most pairs were double-brooded, it probably equates to 150 - 200 youngsters fledged in the season. That would certainly explain why our bird-feeders have been particularly busy this Summer! Not all the boxes were occupied by avian species however, two have active Hornet nests in them - still it's all wildlife and biodiversity!