I now have a cunning plan. Part two.

Before scaling 100 feet up a tree, research where your target birds like to nest. I think I read somewhere some don't like being way up high ( which is a bonus to help with cleaning!!) But I can't remember specifics I'm afraid.

Edit: just for clarity, I think Ann's suggestion of plates was more for great spotted woodpeckers/magpies etc that would predate the young after enlarging the entrance holes.

Good stuff though Hooky, keep us updated :o)

I'll echo PB's advice regarding ladders, check you need to go that high first. If you need to climb that high, consider the use of safety harnesses and hats, I'm sure you would rather continue to be part of and enjoy your hard work.

You've done well with contacting organisations and had very good responses, and though it may seem cheeky, but search around for someone who has access to long ladders and the appropriate safety gear, starting with something like the Woodland Trust

The Beavers are the younger section of the Scout Movement, ranging from 6 - 8 years old. Some groups now have an even younger section, called Squirrels, which covers the 4 - 5 year age group.

Hi PB and Mike,
Yes, I have had a think and to start I am going to go for easy wins. I will go to 10 to 12 feet to get the first ones up and I will check if this is a suitable height,
Good point about the height of the nest. More work needed as it is no good if the target birds, mainly blue and great tits will not use it.

Goods news, progression. I have a volunteer who also has an extending ladder. Good job there is no rush as he has contracted the dreaded virus.
I should have more news mid-week.

Regards,

Hooky.

Its good to read yet more progression and help.

Hi All,
Some time since I posted. At last, I have sourced the wood from FSC stock and old pallets to make my boxes. Thank you all for your suggestions. I wanted to make this a community project so a new friend, did not know him before this, made the boxes. An old friend painted them in very long lasting weather resistant paint and another helped with my project. The landlord gave permission to use their trees on the condition that no nails, bolts or other bark penetrating attachments were used. The landlord saw this as part of their "Live Green" strategy so they supplied some wood.
My local village magazine are fully supportive of my project and they ran an article on the project last year.
My landlord also supplied five able men to erect the boxes in the trees. I took PimperneBloke's advice and did a lot and I do mean a lot, of research. The target birds are pied flycatchers, blue, great, coal and marsh tits. Further research is need to find out which of these are in my area.
I would love to upload a photo but I do not know how.
All comments and questions are welcome.

Best regards,

Hooky.

Sounds like all is progressing very well Hooky.
To help posting pics...
(Courtesy of Robbo)
Reply to your own thread and bottom right of the reply box is, 'Use rich formatting'. Select that. Another box will then open up and second option is a dropdown called, 'Insert'. Second option under there is something like, 'image'. Make sure the data size of your photo isn't too big. If it fails to load, reduce size of photo on device and try again.

Hi Linda,
Well, my photo' was a first attempt. No idea why it posted sideways as it is the correct way up in my file.

Best regards,

Hooky.

Well done, it's fine as when you click on it , it goes right way up lol...its just very quiet here at the moment hence why lack of replies from the previous helpful folk

Looks like your project is going well

Hi All,

  I am going to try and upload another photo'. I have just put up 20 boxes. Mixed between 30/32mm and 25mm.

  To spread the appeal of different species I have put robin boxes up which I understand might attract a pied wagtail.

  They also attract (I wish) fly catchers. I would be so pleased if I even saw one in my semi suburban area.

Hooky.