Bird species

St Margaret’s Allotments and St Margaret’s Churchyard have a rich population of bird life, including:

St Margaret’s Allotments Association, in partnership with Friends of St Margaret’s Churchyard, has a Natural History and Ecology working group, which aims to enhance the bird population on the sites.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Plotholders are encouraged to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch in January

https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch

It is hoped to encourage systematic recording across the two sites using on-line recording tools.

Bird boxes installed on the allotments

Following sponsorship of bird boxes by plot holders , Tony Gibson, of the Durham Bird Club and Northumbria Ringing Group installed 17 no. birdboxes across the site,  together with a tawny owl box on the Common Plot.  

At the Nature Day on 23 May, Tony will be leading an inspection of the boxes in addition to regular inspections throughout the year. If there are chicks, we understand that his plan is to ring them, so that their progress can be followed subsequently.