Keen for Kestrels
We have been lucky to be part of an ambitious project to increase the very small breeding
population of Kestrels in Ceredigion. Though still common in England, less than a hundred
pairs breed in Wales. A limiting factor locally is thought to be a lack of suitable nest sites
and with this in mind the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales has since 2008 been
installing boxes throughout the county.
Mike Hayward, Richard Hartnup and Steve Cuttle have now installed a box at Denmark Farm and
we are hoping that the rodent rich grassland might be able to support a pair. All we can do
now is wait with fingers crossed. Even if Kestrels are not attracted to the site other species
such as Owls, Jackdaws or Stock Doves might find them ideal.
Time will tell.
Another project currently running is ‘Bird Box for Life’. We are desperate to replace some of our many missing and damaged nest boxes around the site, particularly to provide boxes for Pied Flycatchers, Spotted Flycatchers and Tawny Owls. We are offering you an opportunity to sponsor a bird nest box at Denmark Farm as a gift for a wildlife loving friend. There is a choice of styles of bird boxes to attract different species and we’ll even monitor and provide feedback for an optional extra. We have already bought three new boxes with thanks to our generous supporters and planning to install these in time for the next breeding season.
