Nestbox spring clean at Pensthorpe

A Norfolk nature reserve and gardens is gearing up for National Nest Box Week as more than 100 nest boxes around the reserve's 500 acres are being prepared.

A Norfolk nature reserve and gardens is gearing up for National Nest Box Week as more than 100 nest boxes around the reserve's 500 acres are being prepared.

Pensthorpe reserve is carrying out its annual audit in order to record which species of bird made the nest box their home.

After a few running repairs and thorough cleaning, each box is free to be used by the various bird species that call Pensthorpe home.

Warden Ed Bramham-Jones said: “The last year has been a great success for our nest boxes with various tits and barn owls and kestrels inhabitating them. The annual preparation is a time- consuming process but it is definitely worth it when you see them in full use and know that they are ensuring the survival of some species that are suffering from the loss of their natural habitats”.

The reserve is to host BBC Springwatch following its successful debut there last year.

Champion of National Nest Box Week and wildlife presenter Simon King said: “National Nest Box Week is great for birds. Starting on St Valentine's Day and running until February 21, it's the time we remind ourselves to provide homes for dozens of species from blue tits to barn owls. If you have never built a nest box before, why not give it a go this year?”

For further information about the week, contact Paul Stancliffe or Jeff Baker on 01842 750050 or email press@bto.org during office hours.