On wet days one can get on with making nest boxes for birds and also for bats as well as homes for solitary bees. Farmers in GLAS have nest boxes as an option and it will be cheaper and more satisfying anyway. Also the boxes can be made better and use thicker timber.

Cedar is the very best. Using screws is more secure. Most bought boxes have some form of staple, which does not last long. Use a proper plan from a reputable website. With tit boxes the entrance diameter needs to be spot on for the different species.

Barn owl boxes

Please think of making a couple of barn owl boxes. These magnificent birds are faced with many threats and need all the help they can get. A good design can be had from The Barn Owl Trust.

Use a teleporter or front loader if you do not want to become another accident statistic

I find that boxes placed in old buildings are best. Fix up high and in a dark corner. Jackdaws will then hopefully not take over. Boxes or trees outside are very tempting for jackdaws. Do be careful when erecting owl boxes, as they are heavy. Use a teleporter or front loader if you do not want to become another accident statistic.

Disused building is best

A disused building is best, as when bales are removed, it causes disturbance and when the bales are in place, cats have easy access to the nest box. Two boxes in the one shed is best, as the male bird will use the spare one for shelter. Finally, if possible do not use rodenticides. All available rat poisons are lethal to owls, as they are at the end of the food chain. Cage traps or snap traps inside wooden boxes are effective.

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