Monday, February 16 was the date for the latest Bude Castle Heritage Centre Family Workshop — this time to help mark National Nest Box Week.

The event called on the expertise of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Tamar Branch to assist with all aspects of nest box building and the making of bird-treats to help our wild birds through the remains of winter.

Clare Manning, Educa­tion Officer at the Bude Castle said: "It was fascinating listening and everyone had a lovely time. The session began with an introduction to how and why the nests of different species vary; from cliff ledges and under-hangs, to trees, bushes, buildings and holes in the ground.

"I'd never really considered that our increasingly well-maintained houses were helping put species like House-Martins out of a home.

"The members of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust were wonderful. They helped explain how the size of box, the type of entrance and the positioning in your garden can all influence the species that might choose to nest, and the success of the brood.

"I'll know in future not to place my bird boxes facing south — in case the nest box becomes too hot for the nestlings, and to clean the boxes out before each new season with hot water or a little detergent.

"It is great to know every box will offer a home for our native birds to breed — especially when you consider that many once common birds are becoming increasingly scarce."

The next Family Workshop at the Castle will be 'Amphibians and Reptiles of the Bude Canal and Marshes' with the Westcountry Rivers Trust on April 9.

For further details contact Clare Manning on 01288 357302 or [email protected]">[email protected].