COUNTRY LIFE
hole, so a good spot for a blue tit box is on
an exposed wall facing north or east.
“Robins on the other hand prefer boxes
that are about a third of the way open
at the front. This doesn’t give much
protection from predators or the elements
and therefore it needs to be tucked away in
a sheltered and safe spot.”
With long weekends and school holidays
coming up, building a homemade nestbox
is a simple, often free, family activity and
a great way to connect with nature. There
are downloadable advice sheets and tips on
positioning a nestbox at www.rspb.org.uk/
advice
Youngsters urged to
get snapping
Aspiring young wildlife photographers
on the Island are urged to get out their
Chaffinch
Last year's competition
winner William Briggs
cameras and get snapping to be in with
a chance of winning this year’s WildPix
competition, led by RSPB and British
Wildlife Photography Awards. Two
age categories - under 12s and 12 to
18. Entries don’t need to feature exotic
creatures or locations to be in with a
chance of winning. Last year’s winner
in the under-12’s category scooped the
top prize with a stunning photo of a
chaffinch taken in his own back garden in
Groombridge, Kent. Find out more www.
bwpawards.co.uk
www.visitislandlife.com
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