Nature know-how: Re-Cyc-Ology project nest boxes

One of the most valuable resources for native animals are large old trees that have developed hollows. Unfortunately many of these trees have been lost due to clearing, and there is now a severe shortage of nesting and denning sites for hollow-using animals such as owls, cockatoos, microbats and mammals.

However, well researched and designed nest boxes can help provide interim nesting and denning sites

Simon Cherriman has over 20 years' experience working as an ornithologist, eagle researcher, wildlife documentary maker and nest box advocate through his business, Insight Ornithology and the Re-Cyc-Ology Project. He has also just published 'Hollowed Out', a book all about this topic.

Join Simon and Danielle from Re-Cyc-Ology as they share their expert knowledge on habitat and nesting boxes and explore the story of tree hollows, habitat loss and how nest-boxes can help wildlife in south western Australia in an informative presentation. Participants will then be guided in the construction of a long lasting, feral bee resistant nest-box. These nest boxes will be donated to local community groups and installed in local bushland.

Places will be limited, supervised children are welcome to attend and groups are encouraged to work together to construct a nest box.

Water based paint will be used as part of the session, so feel free to bring an art smock to protect your clothing.

Please note that the nest-boxes will be constructed with hand tools only.

Where – Montessori Primary School Margaret River 4/6 Clarke rd (Parking available in school carpark and along Betts Road)

Itinerary -

9am start - welcome and presentation
9.45am - questions
10am - quick cuppa and watch the demo of how a kit is made into a nest-box
10.20am - participants work together to construct a nest-box
11am - painting
11.30am - allow paint to dry and watch a nest-box installation demonstration
12.00 - concluding discussion, nest-box features, use of camera’s and answering final questions.
12.30pm - finish!

There is a REALLY good door prize too!!! One of the nest boxes will be given out as a prize along with Simon Cherriman's "Hollowed Out" book. There will also be many native plant vouchers up for grabs!

This workshop is a For Nature Landholder stewardship gardening for wildlife workshop and is reserved to For Nature members. The For Nature Landholder Stewardship Program is free to register for and comes with loads of benefits, like grants for conservation work at your place and free equipment hire. Please register here: https://www.natureconservation.org.au/for-nature/

For Nature is proudly supported by funding from the West Australian Government’s State Natural Resources Management Program, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River