A community-led project inspired by the Greening Campaign’s Spaces for Nature initiative has seen almost 75 young people from 1st Godshill Scouts build bird boxes to support wildlife across Godshill and the surrounding area.
How the project began
The project began after Central Rural Ward was selected as a pilot area for the Greening Campaign. Representatives from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust joined local residents and organisations for a Spaces for Nature walk through Godshill, exploring opportunities to enhance habitats and create more space for nature throughout the village.
During discussions, representatives from Godshill Scouts highlighted their desire to get involved in practical conservation activities. With an active membership of around 85 young people, it quickly became apparent that the Scout group could play an important role in helping deliver positive outcomes for nature.
The result was an inspiring community project that has now seen 75 Scouts build their own bird boxes, providing nesting opportunities for local bird species and helping residents take action for nature in their own gardens and green spaces.
Sustainable materials and low cost
The project also supports the objectives of the Isle of Wight’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which encourages residents to take simple but meaningful actions to support wildlife close to home.
Bird box designs were sourced from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, while sustainable materials were used throughout. Heat-treated pallet wood was collected, prepared and cut into kits, ensuring the project had both a low environmental impact and low cost.
In total, the project cost just £45, a sum that the Scouts were delighted to fund themselves. The wider community quickly rallied behind the initiative. Volunteers from Brighstone Men in Sheds gave up their time to support the sessions, helping young people assemble their bird boxes alongside Scout leaders, parents and community volunteers.
What the Scouts said
The enthusiasm shown by the young people involved was particularly memorable.
One Scout said,
“I have made and am decorating this for my grandad who passed away. I am going to put it on his tree that we planted and he can enjoy the birds that come to visit.”
Another added,
“It was really fun. Am I really allowed to take this home?”
A third Scout commented,
“I don’t have a garden, but I know the perfect place for it at my friend’s house in the big tree we climb.”
Others were fascinated by what they were learning, with one young person surprised to discover
that,
“I didn’t know that birds could fit through such tiny holes.”
The project has not only created dozens of new nesting opportunities for local birdlife but has also provided valuable opportunities for young people to learn about conservation, biodiversity and the role they can play in helping nature recover on our Biosphere Island.
A legacy for other Scout groups
As a legacy of the project, Godshill Scouts are now developing a case study that will be shared with Scout groups across the Isle of Wight, helping other troops replicate the initiative in their own communities.
The group has also created its own bird-themed activity sheet to accompany the practical learning sessions and support young people in discovering more about the wildlife around them.
Scout leaders call for more volunteers
Scout Leader Mary Kershaw said,
“Days like this really show what our young people can achieve when we’ve got a few extra adults behind them. With just a bit more help, the adventures get bigger, the smiles get wider and the possibilities explode.
“If you’ve ever thought about stepping in, now’s your moment. Give us a shout and be a part of what we do next.”
Group Lead Volunteer Robin Kent added,
“This was an example of community working at its best; Scouting Team, parents, carers, Brighstone Men in Sheds working with our young people, mentoring, encouraging and developing new skills for the benefit of nature.
“You could see and feel the pride at the end of each session. ‘Woodworking is never this much fun at school’ said one of our cubs.”
The intergenerational Spaces for Nature project demonstrated how small, local actions can make a significant difference for nature while bringing people together. This project has created lasting benefits for both people and wildlife.
Get the activity sheet and case study
For a copy of the bird activity sheet or the project case study, uniformed groups can contact 1st
Godshill Scouts at [email protected].
News shared by Katy on behalf of 1st Godshill Scouts. Ed
