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Suet Products Made On Our Farm
To commemorate our 10th anniversary, Ivel Valley Bird Food is embarking on an ambitious project throughout 2025 to install or improve 10 distinct habitats across our farm. This initiative aims to bolster local wildlife populations and enrich the ecosystem, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship.
February - Birds
What better way to kick start our 10 for 10 than by giving our beloved wild birds a safe place to nest?
February is the perfect time to put up nest boxes, as birds begin scouting for the ideal home to raise their young. With natural nesting sites disappearing due to urbanisation and new developments, it’s more important than ever to lend a helping hand. By installing nest boxes, we’re not just providing shelter, but we’re actively supporting bird populations and helping the next generation thrive!
Our Nest Box Choices
We wanted to give our birds the best possible start, so we opted for unbeatable WoodStone® nest boxes. Made from a blend of concrete and FSC® certified wood, these boxes are built to last. Unlike traditional wooden boxes, they won’t rot, degrade, or fall victim to predators like woodpeckers, cats, or squirrels. Plus, their insulation helps maximise survival rates for young nestlings!
To cater to a variety of species, we installed a selection of nest boxes with different entrance hole sizes, ensuring birds of all shapes and sizes find a suitable home.
The Perfect Nesting Spot
Location is everything when it comes to nest boxes! We carefully chose a secluded area of the farm with zero footfall, ensuring our feathered friends remain undisturbed throughout the breeding season. To protect them from harsh weather conditions, we also made sure each box faced between north and east, which is the optimal direction for nesting birds.
Setting Up for Success
We took extra care to place each box at the perfect height for different bird species:
- 32mm entrance hole nest boxes (ideal for great tits, blue tits, and house/tree sparrows) were installed between 6ft – 13ft high.
- Open-fronted nest boxes (ideal for robins and wrens) were positioned at 3ft – 6ft high, nestled within dense foliage for added security.
Now, all that’s left to do is wait and watch! We’ll be checking back in April-May to see if any birds have moved in and started their families. Fingers crossed for some new feathery residents!
Want to join in and help birds in your own garden? Shop our wide range of Nest Boxes and give nature a helping hand this nesting season!
March - Frogs & Toads
As the chill of winter begins to fade, our ponds and reservoirs are waking up with life. March marks the time when frogs, toads, and newts emerge from hibernation, seeking safe spaces to rest and breed. This month at Ivel Valley, we’re focusing on creating essential habitats to support these fascinating amphibians.
Building Rock Piles for Wildlife
To offer shelter and protection, we are carefully constructing rock piles around our ponds and reservoirs. These natural shelters provide ideal resting spots for frogs and other small creatures, keeping them safe from predators and extreme weather.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Location is key! We selected shady, secluded spots near our ponds and reservoirs, ensuring the area stayed damp and cool throughout the day. By placing the rock piles away from heavy foot traffic, we reduced disturbances and created a peaceful refuge for amphibians.
Rock Solid Foundations
To create a stable foundation for our rock pile, we dug a shallow hole about 10-15 cm deep, ensuring the bottom was flat and even. This helped prevent shifting and created a structured base for the rock pile.
The first layer is all about strength! We placed larger rocks at the bottom to create a sturdy base with plenty of crevices for frogs and toads to slip into for shelter.
To make the habitat even more inviting, we carefully arranged small stones to create a comfortable bedding layer, ensuring there were plenty of cosy gaps for amphibians to nestle into. We also designed a tunnel feature using hollow clay cylinders, providing an ideal hideaway for frogs and toads seeking extra shelter and security.
Building above ground level, we stacked additional rocks to create a more substantial shelter. The varied rock sizes ensured plenty of nooks and crannies for amphibians to rest and avoid predators.
Extra Perks for Our Amphibian Friends
- Pond Proximity – Positioning the rock piles near our reservoirs and ponds allowed for easy access to water.
- Toad Abodes – We upcycled clay pots and placed them strategically within the pile to create extra cool, damp refuges.
- Water Source – We provided small water access points, such as shallow dishes filled with rainwater, to further support amphibians in dry spells.
Give Garden Frogs and Toads a Helping Hand!
You don’t need a pond to support frogs and toads in your garden! These incredible creatures help control pests like slugs and insects, making them fantastic garden allies. Simply placing a frog house in a shady spot and providing a shallow water dish for hydration can create a much-needed refuge for these amphibians.
At Ivel Valley Bird Food, we’ve got everything you need to welcome frogs and toads into your garden! Check out our Frog & Toad Accessories to find the perfect shelter for your garden guests. Let’s give our amphibian friends a safe place to rest and thrive!