Bridging the Habitat Gap - Part 2

Imogen highlights how our Rangers are helping communities and wildlife with nesting boxes

Following from Donald’s Blog post yesterday on why we should all be helping out a bit with bird boxes. You might be interested to hear about some of our own bird box stories.

In a heart warming display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, several years ago the Wick Riverside volunteers, led by the dedicated East Caithness Ranger - Marina Swanson , embarked on a mission to support local bird populations by installing 11 tit boxes along the Wick River. Unfortunately, the well-intentioned efforts saw an unforeseen result as woodpeckers, driven by predative instinct, damaged the boxes in their quest for the eggs and chicks, rendering most of them no longer usable.

Not ones to be deterred by the forces of nature, Rangers Roz and Andy Summers were able to breathe new life into these avian homes. With a little ingenuity and a lot of care, they refurbished the boxes with mesh and metal plates fortifying them against further woodpecker damage. Our efforts were rewarded in the summer of 2023 when a significant majority of the boxes (8 out of 11), became homes to families of blue tits and great tits, showing how nature can bounce back - when given a wee helping hand.

Another success story happened in Culag woods with a similar project involving Lochinver Primary School. Andy Summers, our Senior Ranger in the North, had the pleasure of working with these young students to prepare additional bird boxes, this time equipped from the outset with anti-woodpecker mesh.

Capturing these moments showcase not only the joy and enthusiasm of the children but also the tangible impact of community-led conservation efforts. Connecting people with their local environment.

Another one of the exciting projects on the north west coast in 2022 and 2023 was our barn owl box project. Barn owls in recent years have been pushing north wards, but one of the limiting factors on their distribution has been a suitable place to breed. Luckily barn owls love using properly constructed nesting boxes. They are, however, a bit fussy and the design and position of the nest box have to be just right. The nest boxes we put up were visited by barn owls and in several cases used as a roost over the winter. Of course, remember that barn owls are schedule one birds and heavily protected by law and you need a license to disturb them once they have nested. 2023 was another good year for barn owls thanks to a healthy vole population in the long grass and heather.

Small initiatives such as these underscore the importance of perseverance, innovation, and community in environmental conservation. They remind us that, even when faced with setbacks, a combination of collective action and a little creativity can lead to thriving ecosystems where both wildlife and people benefit. It's a powerful message of hope and action for communities everywhere, demonstrating that we can all play a part in protecting and enhancing our natural world.

In sharing these inspiring stories of community engagement and environmental restoration, we are reminded of the vital role that each and every one of us plays in the preservation of our natural world. The successes we celebrate today, from the rejuvenation of bird populations along the Wick River to the educational adventures with Lochinver Primary School, have been possible thanks to the generous support of people like you.

High Life Highland Rangers wildlife conservation efforts are continuing this important work, fostering biodiversity, and creating sustainable habitats for all species that call our region home. However, to do so, we need your help.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our current supporters, whose contributions have been the backbone of our efforts. Your generosity has not only provided the necessary resources for our conservation projects but has also fueled the spirit of hope and action within our community.

As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in this mission. Whether it be through volunteering with us for nature, sharing our stories with others, or making a financial donation, your support is valued. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in our ability to protect and enhance our natural environment.

Please consider pledging your support today. Together, we can ensure a greener, more vibrant world for generations to come.

Thank you for your consideration, and for being a part of our community's journey towards a sustainable future.

Imogen Furlong, the High Life Highland Countryside Ranger Manager, is known for her enthusiasm, organisation, and drive. Her deep passion for the Scottish Highlands' wildlife and extensive experience in outdoor education and recreation management have been central to this role. Imogen is a practical and collaborative project manager, empowering her teams to work effectively in communities and contribute to local conservation efforts.