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03 Feb 2010 16:00
SHERWOOD FOREST HELPS GIVES HOMES TO BRITISH BIRDS
As part of the British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) National Nest Box Week from 14th February 2010, Center Parcs Sherwood Forest is offering guests the chance to build their own habitat box to provide homes for the many British birds.
Center Parcs has recorded over 140 different varieties of bird at its Sherwood Forest site, many of which use nest boxes to breed in. However, across the country some of our most loved birds are facing an uncertain future. According to the BTO, the House Sparrow population has declined by 59% over the last twenty-five years. With this in mind, Center Parcs is inviting guests to make a nest box for their garden. Center Parcs Sherwood Forest have Build a Habitat Box workshops, giving families the opportunity to make a difference for the birds in their area.
To help enhance biodiversity, in this the International Year of Biodiversity, guests can also choose to build a butterfly house, insect house, ladybird house or bird feeder. Whatever they choose to make, they can then take them home and give it pride of place in their garden.
Protecting and enhancing the natural forest environment for wildlife has always been a fundamental part of the philosophy of Center Parcs. For over twenty years the biodiversity of Sherwood Forest has been protected and cared for by a dedicated Ground Services team and experienced Rangers.
Darren Bowsher, Ground Services Manager at Sherwood Forest says:
“It is so important for us to look after a wide variety of species including birds. The UK has seen a decline in natural nesting places in recent decades as dead trees are tidied and old buildings renovated, and so it is now more important than ever to do something to help protect birds and provide them with safe places to nest.”
He added, “One of the reasons Center Parcs’ is such a good home for so many species is the many feeding stations and nesting boxes dotted around the forest. Everybody can help attract a variety of birds and insects and create their own little oasis by building a habitat box and placing it in their garden.”
Build a Habitat Box is an workshop running all year round and can be booked as part of a short break at Center Parcs. The minimum age for this workshop is 5 years and it is £15.00 per box so each member of the family can make their own or it can be a fun family project.
For more information or to make a booking visit: www.centerparcs.co.uk or call: 08448 266 266
For further details about the British Trust for Ornithology, visit: www.bto.org
Notes to Editors:
Center Parcs is proud to be the UK’s leading short break provider, offering families a chance to spend quality time together in a natural forest environment. Nature is at the very heart of the Center Parcs philosophy with a team of Conservation Rangers on each village responsible for protecting the biodiversity of the area. Center Parcs was awarded the Green Business Award for Biodiversity Protection in 2009 and praised for a ‘sustained commitment to the protection and, very importantly, the enhancement of biodiversity’ on all 4 villages.
The British Trust for Ornithology is the UK’s leading bird research organisation. Over thirty thousand birdwatchers contribute to the BTO’s surveys, collecting information that forms the basis of conservation action in the UK. The BTO maintains a staff of 100 at its offices in Norfolk and Stirling, who analyse and publicise the results of project work. The BTO’s investigations are funded by government, industry and conservation organisations
More than 60 species of birds have been recorded using nest boxes. Most commonly, Blue and Great Tits, House Sparrows and Starlings will use the typical round hole design, while Robins and Spotted Flycatchers prefer open-fronted boxes. House Sparrows, Starlings and Spotted Flycatchers are all red-listed species of conservation concern.
For more information contact: