Volunteers build bird boxes

As the waves and wind bombarded Dunnet Bay last Sunday (14th), members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers were pleased to be working indoors at the Seadrift Countryside Ranger Centre. The group was awarded an Action Earth grant to buy wood and tools for building bird boxes. A total of 11 standard boxes were constructed and will be distributed around the Dunbeath area for ringing and monitoring purposes in the New Year.

The event was part of a campaign called CSV Action Earth organised by CSV (Community Service Volunteers). As part of this year’s campaign, SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) is supporting around 160 projects in Scotland through grant awards of up to £500, aimed at groups that will help support and encourage volunteer activity through practical environmental projects.   

Highland Council Ranger Marina Swanson who is also chair of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers said: “Action Earth has assisted us with a few projects this year and we are very pleased with the grant received to build the bird boxes. We were able to purchase good quality wood which will last in the outdoor environment and assist with monitoring of our local bird populations. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful volunteers who regularly support the work of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers and make these projects possible.”  

The Caithness Countryside Volunteers is organised through the Highland Council’s Development and Infrastructure Countryside Rangers and is always looking for new members. If you wish to find out more about the group, please contact Marina Swanson on 01955604588 or e-mail marina.swanson@highland.gov.uk  

Seadrift continued to serve as a workshop on Sunday as family groups turned up in the afternoon to make Natural Decorations. The groups made willow stars, twig Christmas trees, wooden snowmen and wreaths. This was the last of event run by the Caithness and Sutherland Rangers in 2014. A new programme of walks and events will be coming out in the New Year.