Spring 2023 marked the beginning of a collaboration between The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), and Green Tweed Eco, all joining forces to increase community involvement, expand knowledge about local environments, and foster better habitats for birds and wildlife throughout London.
The loss of hedgerow trees, changes to woodland management and
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
increasing urbanisation have all contributed to a decline in the availability
of natural sites for cavity-nesting species like Blue Tit and Starling.
Species that nest alongside people, such as House Sparrow and Swift,
have lost out to changing building regulations, which have reduced the
opportunities for birds to nest under roof tiles or in holes in barge boards … Well-designed nest boxes can replace these lost opportunities, increasing
the numbers of nesting birds and boosting their populations, while
providing the opportunity to collect valuable data.
At Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, TCV teams received expert training from BTO staff to conduct engaging bird-focused activities during our volunteer sessions. With valuable insights from bird sighting data in their respective regions, our skilled-up staff will lead bird-themed events on the various London sites they work at (more details at the end of this article).
Green Tweed Eco generously contributed 250 birdhouses designed according to BTO guidelines.
The Conservation Volunteers and British Trust for Ornithology do an amazing job connecting communities to the wild spaces around them and I am sure that these boxes will help to strengthen that bond.
Tom Rawson, Green Tweed Eco
These sturdy homes come with helpful tips on the correct placement, cleaning, and maintenance of the bird boxes — plus advice for citizen scientists on how to monitor and submit nest box data to BTO.
So far, we’ve delivered bird boxes to TCV-managed sites and projects in Enfield, Camden, Richmond, Waltham Forest, Greenwich, Southwark, Croydon, Haringey and Lambeth. You can find your nearest TCV volunteering site here. From these sites, they’ll be given out for free to local community groups, volunteers, schools, community buildings across London and members of the public attending our bird-themed events over the coming weeks.
BTO are delighted to be working with TCV and GreenTweedEco on this nest box programme, through which we hope to help our precious birds and inspire people to get involved in monitoring any nesting attempts that occur in these boxes.
Ieuan Evans, Director of Engagement, British Trust for Ornithology
Each birdhouse comes equipped with instructions detailing ways to observe and document outcomes using BTO’s system, allowing participants to contribute meaningful scientific research regarding successful egg-laying and fledging rates.
TCV are absolutely delighted to have the support of Green Tweed Eco and BTO to further enhance our support of nature conservation and communities across London.
Abi Townsend, London Operations Leader, The Conservation Volunteers
Want to secure a home for feathered friends near you? The Meridian One Community Garden in Enfield is holding a free bird box and free tree giveaway on Saturday 27th January. We also have boxes available at Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, The Stables at Lloyd Park in Waltham Forest, Railway Fields in Haringey, or Stave Hill Ecology Park in Greenwich. Please contact your local office ahead of travelling, to confirm availability.
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Find out how you can get involved with The Conservation Volunteers and our work connecting people and green spaces by signing up for our Greenzine Newsletter, or join us on social media here: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
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