Nantwich housing scheme installs nesting boxes to enhance bird life

A house builder is installing nesting boxes at its new homes development in Nantwich to boost biodiversity at the site.

Tesni Properties Ltd is working with Atmos Consulting Ltd in a bid to encourage species to continue to visit its Canal Walks development off Welshman’s Lane.

More than half of phase one of the luxury, eco-friendly homes have already been snapped up, with huge interest in the other plots.

Atmos senior ecologist Alex Hatton said: “The natural environment has been carefully considered throughout.

“So when we were asked how we could help further enhance the biodiversity value of the site, over and above planning conditions, we were delighted to become involved.

“We have developed a scheme of varying sized bird box placement on site to help those species that are sometimes overlooked: house sparrows, blue tits, great tits and coal tits.”

Many bird species are suffering population decline because of habitat loss.

The house sparrow, now red listed, has suffered more than a 50% population decline since the 1970s.

Alex added: “The loss of winter feeding habitat has played a key part, but a lack of traditional nesting habitat is really affecting the species.

“Traditionally house sparrows will use thick hedges, ivy on houses and cracks and crevices in walls.

“What Tesni have provided are nest boxes that replicate these features.

“House sparrows will live for approximately three years, they will usually pair for life and in that time will have up to four broods of 4-5 eggs.

“One box can make a big difference to the local population.

“Look out for them on your box during the nesting bird season, April to August- a male will sit in the entrance trying to entice females to choose them and their nest box.”

The Tesni development is a small exclusive site on Canal Walks of eco-friendly homes with a difference.

There are around a dozen luxury 4 and 5-bedroom homes.

To find out more, view our Tesni Properties advertorial here.