Join the AONB and Geopark Team for a nest box building workshop on Saturday 17th February. Attendees will get a chance to make their very own nest box to bring home and use in the hope of encouraging more birds in their garden. Expert tuition will be on hand to help everyone build their own nestbox for blue tits. The birds are already prospecting for nest sites so we hope at least some of the new nest boxes will shelter their first families this spring.

The workshops will be taking place in Delamont Country Park in a stunning location right in heart of Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

To book a place on these free workshops, click here.

Valentine’s week marks the start of National Nest Box Week each year. It’s the time we remind ourselves to give courting birds a warm, secure home for raising the next generation!

Natural nest sites for birds such as holes in trees or old buildings are disappearing fast as gardens are ‘tidied’ and old houses are repaired. And to make matters worse there are fewer handy nooks and crannies in modern buildings. The populations of many bird species are down as a result of this housing shortage.

The good news is that everyone can do their bit to help… and your own garden’s a great place to start. Taking part in National Nest Box Week gives you the chance to contribute to bird conservation and observing any breeding birds that you attract to your nest box.

Alongside common visitors – like Blue Tits, Great Tits, House Sparrows, Robins and Starlings – putting up a box will also boost your chance of attracting rarer species into the bargain. Spending time in the garden, building your own box and watching birds make themselves at home are all great stress-busters.

Please note

T here are two sessions available: pick either from 10am – 12 midday or 1pm to 3pm

Only one nestbox is available per family booking.

All children must be fully supervised by an adult.

All tools, equipment and materials will be provided.