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Post by Shrubrose on Nov 15, 2007 18:47:02 GMT
From reading the 'blurb' 4P I think you'd be in with a good chance. Never know, Big Al might even come for a look! Wouldn't that be good? (ok, so I'm an incurable optimist. I know!)
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 17, 2007 10:01:18 GMT
Oh no! What a thought.....I'd have to have a stand in...a body double but thinner, taller and 20 years younger.....I'd prefer Monty though please....
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Post by Shrubrose on Nov 17, 2007 10:20:41 GMT
Oh no! What a thought.....I'd have to have a stand in...a body double but thinner, taller and 20 years younger.....I'd prefer Monty though please....  |
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Post by Chuckles on Nov 27, 2007 22:52:56 GMT
Oo, 'ello Chuckles! The poor hedgehog...but I am glad to say his death was not in vain as the Head was so horrified she got militant (but only in a nice way  ) and tore a strip off the Thick Pillock's boss and he has now removed the wildlife garden from their schedule of work and we/I am going to do the maintenance (such as it is). HURRAY! The lack of light has now stopped Gardening Club for the winter which was such a shame as my little group were thoroughly enjoying themselves. One girl told her Mum she wanted to be a gardener when she grew up - eeh, I was sooo proud! We did get quite a lot of stuff done this half term - planted all OM's Daffodil bulbs about the place, weeded all the new beds by the GH, and filled one with herbs and Karen's foxgloves to overwinter in, built a wildlife tower out of pallets, filled up the leaf bin and weeded over the bark in the adventure playground. Pretty good for 4 meetings only an hour long I thought. Can't wait for next Spring now! I'm behind again catching up on here I can't wait for spring to come round for you and the kids 4P, lets hope the enthusiasm continues even if there are only a few of them in the group. I bet once things like the Daffs start to show the kids will be all excited again. How sweet that little girl wanting to be a gardener when she grows up, bless her ;D You'll have to get the camera out again come spring  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 28, 2007 7:03:36 GMT
Thanks Chuckles - I have so many plans teeming about in my little head! I am going to get lots more kids in next Spring - hoping to have a 'core' group who are regulars and then hold special events at lunchtimes at least once a week - such as sowing seeds, planting spuddies in pots, etc. I'm hoping to get the School cook involved and have a Herb Day some time too - I want to have a Sniff and Guess the plant session - I'd love to get the cook to make stuff like Lavender cookies and Lemon Verbena fairy cakes etc. Soo many plans....so little time.........
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Post by Rosefriend on Jan 7, 2008 9:56:58 GMT
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Post by 4pygmies on Jan 8, 2008 21:21:14 GMT
Ooh RF, you are sooo kind! I haven't looked at seed catalogues so far this year as I'm trying to use the seeds I have so I might have missed this. They look perfect for the kids don't they? I shall have to get them....but I will NOT look at any others...(yeah right...) Thanks so much - I really appreciate it X
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Post by 4pygmies on Jan 10, 2008 7:16:25 GMT
Seeing your message reminded me that I have to see about putting up the camera nesting box at school RF. I sat in the staff room yesterday morning with yards of wire, colour coded plugs and my 2 helpers looking at the instructions....it is easy, I'm sure, to put the thing up but not if you have to protect the wire from kids footballs, the weather, have to worry about H&S regs in schools and don't happen to have a willy.... I do hate to admit defeat but we are going to have to call in a man to do the job for us  Gotta get it up this month too - I know we will be very fortunate to get anything nesting in it this Spring but you never know.......anybody got any suggestions for siting it please? There are two very old and large, ivy covered crab apple trees in the wildlife garden that seem the most sensible choice but I am slightly concerned that the noise of the kids running about will stop any nesting bird. We do have a feeding station in there too. |
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Post by Rosefriend on Jan 10, 2008 8:28:00 GMT
What a great idea - a camera nesting box......wish we had had things like that when I was at school......did they make things like that all those years ago I wonder..... I can understand that it has to be protected as well - hope there is a strong "padlock" on it..helping hands and all that!!
I am amazed just where birds will nest if they want to .....years ago my OH - in his wisdom - put a nesting box on the shed - just beside the door, - so every time we went in the box shook and we were constantly going past. He put another one on the very quiet side wall and the one on the door was constantly in use - not the quiet one. It was so popular that one year we had blue tits inside and on the top of the box blackbirds nested as well.
Good luck and do show us some pics, won't you!!
RF
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Post by Juliet on Jan 10, 2008 13:47:06 GMT
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Post by carolann on Jan 10, 2008 14:47:55 GMT
Hi 4P just read about the camera nest box great idea, put it in the crab apple trees I dont think the kids playing will upset nesting birds, we have a Forsythia next to the dog kennel and have a Gold Finch which nests in there every year, the dog never stops barking and the tractor and bike go up and down every day and we have stood under the nest looking at the bird nesting and talking as normal and still it never moved so I dont think children will upset it to much once they get used to them playing there. You may not get anything nesting there the first year but the birds know where it is safe to build and once they set to there is no stopping them. Good luck.
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Post by Chuckles on Jan 10, 2008 21:39:03 GMT
Good luck with the camera nest box 4P, sounds a great idea. Have any of OM's daffs shown themselves yet |
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Post by 4pygmies on Jan 11, 2008 9:57:02 GMT
Good luck with the camera nest box 4P, sounds a great idea. Have any of OM's daffs shown themselves yet I had a look round this morning Chuckles and yes, they're coming up all over the place! Exciting isn't it? X |
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Post by Chuckles on Jan 13, 2008 19:13:18 GMT
Good luck with the camera nest box 4P, sounds a great idea. Have any of OM's daffs shown themselves yet I had a look round this morning Chuckles and yes, they're coming up all over the place! Exciting isn't it? X  Thats brill news, at least you know he didn't give you a load of duff bulbs ;D (willbeintroubleforthatsmillie) Keep us posted won't you 4P  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 1, 2008 10:12:10 GMT
Going into school this morning TWO kids asked me when we are starting Gardening Club! And the 3rd years have put some spuds to chit in the GH as a science project. And the PTA chair lady asked me if I need funds for any projects this Spring...Coo......! I have 4 raised beds to fill with soil so............exciting innit?
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Post by Chuckles on Feb 1, 2008 10:19:07 GMT
Going into school this morning TWO kids asked me when we are starting Gardening Club! And the 3rd years have put some spuds to chit in the GH as a science project. And the PTA chair lady asked me if I need funds for any projects this Spring...Coo......! I have 4 raised beds to fill with soil so............exciting innit? yes yes yes, what a fab start 4P I'm really pleased for you |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 1, 2008 10:29:03 GMT
Thanks Chuckles! It's a small start but at least there are signs of growth to come.... ;D
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Post by Barbara on Feb 1, 2008 10:55:00 GMT
have the bluebells i sent you shown any signs of life 4p |
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Post by Shrubrose on Feb 1, 2008 19:24:19 GMT
Going into school this morning TWO kids asked me when we are starting Gardening Club! And the 3rd years have put some spuds to chit in the GH as a science project. And the PTA chair lady asked me if I need funds for any projects this Spring...Coo......! I have 4 raised beds to fill with soil so............exciting innit? Now isn't that what it's all about 4P? 'Little seeds' and all that Anything worthwhile takes time to grow and lots of effort. You've certainly put the effort in, and I'm sure will continue to do so. That and 'time' will yield great rewards - for you and the children. So just keep on 'keeping on'. I'm going to carry on reading your posts with great interest because I think you're doing something really worthwhile and I'm interested in seeing how the Club develops. Cant offer you anything 4P except my interest! Wish I was nearer |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 2, 2008 9:24:40 GMT
have the bluebells i sent you shown any signs of life 4p I think they're OK Barbara. To be honest I daren't look too closely in the wild garden because of the damage the groundsmen did last year. As your bulbs were safely tucked down out of their way I think they'll be fine. I'll go have a peek when I fill the bird hangers this week and report back! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 2, 2008 9:33:42 GMT
Just if anyone is interested, we have decided to site the birdbox with camera away from the wild garden on the other side of the school in the large clump of beech trees. We think a nest is safer there, away from the main thrust of the kids rushing about so a bit more peaceful etc. Also there is a better route for the wiring etc coming into the school. The new teacher, (a man! He looks about 16 to me ;D,) is going to oversee the electricky bits. Hopefully we are doing it next week, weather permitting. Coo! I feel like we're making progress now.
I know it's unlikely the box will be occupied this year but wouldn't it be GREAT if it was?! I would feel like Bill Oddie (same height and shape actually....) I did wonder whether I should hang a couple of wooden boxes up in the other trees just in case it might encourage birds to have a look. They are very large trees and there is a fair amount of space between them. What do you all think?
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Post by Shrubrose on Feb 2, 2008 11:34:59 GMT
I'd definitely give it a go 4P. I think they'd like a choice. I've read that they're best sited away from direct sunlight, so maybe east facing? Someone else might know a bit more about that. I've had two bird boxes up for about three years and they've been 'checked out' but never used. I think mine are a bit too low! Good luck. |
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Post by Juliet on Feb 2, 2008 18:06:58 GMT
I'd definitely give it a go 4P. I think they'd like a choice. I've read that they're best sited away from direct sunlight, so maybe east facing? Someone else might know a bit more about that. Um ... reply 129: I agree about adding more if you have time to make/money to get them though. There was a useful article in January GW about how to make one - if you don't have a copy, there's a similar one on the website: www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/nesting-box/ - though I think the one in the Jan mag is slightly better illustrated & gives a bit more info. |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 3, 2008 8:45:49 GMT
Thanks Juliet, I shall ask for some PTA dosh and go buy a couple I think! I have spent enough of my own money on this project now..... I have that issue of GW so I'll have a look. I must have read it but I can't remember! |
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Post by Juliet on Feb 3, 2008 22:49:20 GMT
Page 58 I think the version for robins looks easiest to make - less complicated drilling. There are several other ideas of things to do for birds as well on the following pages. I do like the cardboard hide, but not sure if it would be practical at a school. |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Feb 5, 2008 21:08:05 GMT
. I know it's unlikely the box will be occupied this year but wouldn't it be GREAT if it was?!. 4P, my neighbour found his (same as yours) was 'occupied' quite quickly by a cock bluetit as a roost and subsequently he (not the neighbour) seduced a hen and produced 10 chicks, all in the space of 3 or 4 months starting late March. But he wouldn't have known about the first 'roosting' stage if he hadn't been able to view in the evenings... I guess you won't have access to command centre at nights - do you have a recording facility to monitor overnight stops? OM. |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 6, 2008 8:04:04 GMT
Morning Moley! Um.....you do ask technical questions don't you? I presume if we have the camera linked up to a video we can preset a timer to record overnight...when I say 'we', I mean 'someone else' ;D
That's encouraging about the bluetit though. I have asked for some more money for ordinary boxes and got the OK so I shall get them bought and erected this week hopefully. What is the best way to fix them to rather large beech trees? I don't like to use nails but my usual baler twine and a prayer might not be acceptable to a nice tidy school headmistress........
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Post by oldmoleskins on Feb 6, 2008 8:14:56 GMT
What is the best way to fix them to rather large beech trees? I don't like to use nails but my usual baler twine and a prayer might not be acceptable to a nice tidy school headmistress........ There's a certain amount of concern re sawyers in years to come 'finding' bits of steel in timber - so, a stainless steel screw would be ultimately removable, brass more easily to hand, aluminium nails (used for roofing) are what's recommended, but I'd worry about their ability to hold a valuable box (and cargo). Don't let anybody worry you about the tree and 'damage' - it won't feel a thing. OM. |
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Post by Dutchy on Feb 6, 2008 8:28:00 GMT
I tied my nestbox in with er Baler twine? Not sure if that is the name. The orange coconut fibre that does not dammage the tree but is strong enough to resist active nesting birds.
I made a construction at the back which sticks out so I had a good grip.
The only reason for not screwing it on is that I do not trust the old Plum tree.
Plenty of not too good bits about it.
My birdbox at home is screwed into the willow with a 3 inch screw and the willow does not care either way. Nestbox still there after 3 years.
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Post by Chuckles on Feb 16, 2008 13:59:57 GMT
I'm just sat watching a Great Tit peck at a fat ball thats just outside the window and it reminded me about your bird boxes, did you get them bought and sorted. Any Daffs in flower yet, seems ages ago when you said they were all poking up. I've got a couple in flower. |
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) and tore a strip off the Thick Pillock's boss and he has now removed the wildlife garden from their schedule of work and we/I am going to do the maintenance (such as it is). HURRAY!
