This one strictly for the birds as 100 new ‘homes’ go up in Wisbech Park

Installation begins of 100 new bird boxes in Wisbech Park. It has been dreamed up to tie in with the Royal Horticultural Society’s “It’s Your Neighbourhood” initiative. (Image: Archant)

But don’t panic – the wide open spaces aren’t about to be concreted over. This scheme is strictly one for the birds, with the aim being to install 100 new bird boxes there.

It has been dreamed up to tie in with the Royal Horticultural Society’s “It’s Your Neighbourhood” initiative and is part of Wisbech In Bloom’s campaign for Britain in Bloom this year.

The idea arose from a casual conversation between Bob Ollier, Fenland District Council’s parks and open spaces manager, and David Edwards, a member of the Friends of Wisbech Park.

And this week (February 23) the two men joined with FDC councillors, members of the Friends and In Bloom groups and a representative of ISS, the council’s horticultural contractors, to launch the scheme.

Mr Ollier said: “We’ve got around 250 trees in the park and our aim is to put 100 new bird boxes up on them. To do that, we’re looking for local organisations, shops, garden centres and members of the public to donate boxes.

“The idea is that each donor will have a box with their name on it which will be put up on one of the trees. They will then be able to keep an eye on the birds that move in and occupy it.”

Mr Edwards is planning to contact all the local schools and other organisations to encourage them to join in with the project.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s Cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: “This is a brilliant idea. It’s so simple but it gives lots of people the chance to get involved with the park and do their little bit for it. I hope it really catches on.”

Do you want your own bird box in the park? Call Bob Ollier on 01354 654321 (email bollier@fenland.gov.uk) or email edwards_david@hotmail.com for details