Love-shacks for birds

Staff from CE Electric UK - the company responsible for the electricity distribution network in the North East - are using the poles, which would normally hold overhead power lines, to support nesting boxes for the struggling kestrel at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve in Houghton-le-Spring.

The birds - most commonly seen hovering beside roadside verges - have recently been declining in number because intensive farming is destroying their natural habitats.

Jim Cokill, director of Durham Wildlife Trust, who manage the Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, said the nesting boxes would be a real boost to the birds' chances of recovery.

He said: "Natural nesting sites for kestrels are holes in old trees or on the ledges of cliffs or buildings. "Finding a suitable nesting site can be a struggle as there are fewer old trees or buildings that are suitable. "By erecting artificial nest boxes on poles, we are replicating natural nest sites and giving the kestrel a chance to thrive.

"The poles offer a fantastic alternative as they provide excellent visibility and flight lines for the bird, and a convenient perch to hunt from."

Pete Carr, a team manager at CE Electric UK's Penshaw call centre, has been getting the company involved in projects at the reserve since last year, when staff volunteered to help improve the wildlife garden.

He said: "I can't wait for the birds start nesting in them.

"It's a great project to be involved in and if it increases their chances of recovery, it's all been worthwhile. Most of us who have been helping out live nearby, so we'll definitely be coming back - it's a fantastic little place that the whole community can enjoy."

The Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and has a variety of habitats including grassland, scrub, mature woodland and ponds. Entry is free and there is a visitor centre and café.