The Bird Box Project at the Essex Country Parks
We’ve launched a new project with HMP Chelmsford that will help rehabilitate inmates and boost habitats for garden birds.
Posted on 23rd October 2024
A joint project between Essex Country Parks and HMP Chelmsford aims to support both inmates and wildlife.
The project will see inmates make bird boxes which will be available to purchase one at some of the park's visitor centres and cafes in early 2025.
All the boxes are made from environmentally friendly and recycled materials by inmates in a HMP Chelmsford workshop.
The materials for the boxes are from a local independent timber supplier, while the rubber waterproof roofs are made from recycled bike inner tubes from Hadleigh Park Cycles.
The boxes will have a positive impact by supporting bird populations - such as Great Tits - by providing a safe habitat to live, breed and raise fledglings in.
Inmates taking part in the project will gain new skills, increase confidence and obtain a sense of achievement and purpose.
It will also create a working relationship with Essex County Council which could lead to future employment opportunities.
Councillor Mark Durham, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Devolution, the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “We are delighted to work with HMP Chelmsford on this wonderful project. It’s well known that initiatives such as this have proven to be vital in helping and preventing inmates from reoffending after they are released.
“While it’s a fantastic way of helping inmates improve their confidence and gain new employment skills, it also supports our declining wildlife populations.”
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Remember, no matter the size of your garden or where in Essex you are situated, a bird box will encourage yearlong activity for you to enjoy.
Adding a few nesting boxes in sheltered areas of your garden, away from potential predators, is the best way to do this.
Try different spots, somewhere between north- and east-facing is ideal. Use our handy Nest Box Building Guide to build your own nest box.
You might also like our blogs on how to encourage birds to your garden, and how to build a bird feeder.
You might also like to take part in the RSPB Big Birdwatch which runs from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 January 2025.
Where can I buy a Bird Box to support the project?
The Bird Boxes will be available to buy in early 2025, while stocks last, at Belhus Woods, Great Notley* and Weald Country Parks.
*The cafe and visitor centre at Great Notley is usually only open at weekends and where possible during school holidays.