Wildlife boxes supporting nature recovery across Dorset.

At Bere Marsh Farm, our volunteers have been hard at work in the workshop, crafting wildlife boxes to support nature recovery across the county. 

They have just completed a fantastic order for the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust with 12 barn owl boxes and 18 swift boxes for one of their cluster farms.  

Funded through FiPL by the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, the boxes will be installed across nearly 3,000 hectares of farmland that make up a new collaborative group of 10 farmers called The Escarpment Cluster in north Dorset. 

Supporting priority species

The cluster is focusing on improving habitat connectivity and diversity across a predominantly arable landscape, which also includes species-rich chalk grassland, ancient woodland, extensive hedgerows, floodplain grassland and a chalk stream running through the group’s boundary. 

One of their priority species is the barn owl. Already fortunate to have several pairs scattered across the area, the group hopes the new owl boxes from Bere Marsh Farm will provide additional safe nesting sites, increasing breeding success and strengthening local populations. Alongside box installation, farmers are creating and managing habitats to benefit owls and many other species. 

Swifts are another focus. Although present in good numbers, suitable nesting spaces are limited, meaning birds often move on without breeding. Installing swift boxes on farm buildings aims to encourage pairs to remain in the area and successfully raise broods. 

Amber Lole of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, said: “The CRT at Bere Marsh Farm was a natural choice when choosing where to buy our wildlife boxes.  

“It is geographically close to the group which makes collection easy, but we also felt that purchasing from a countryside charity aligns with the group’s wider aims and will contribute to further developing their work in the area.” 

Built by volunteers 

At Bere Marsh Farm, our volunteers make each wildlife box by hand. Every purchase directly supports our conservation work while providing high-quality, durable nesting sites for species in need. 

But you don’t need 3,000 hectares to make a difference. Adding nest boxes and shelters to your garden is a simple and effective way to support wildlife. 

Here are three great reasons to get involved: 

Boost pollination 
Attracting bees, moths and birds helps pollinate flowers and increases biodiversity in your garden. 

Natural pest control 
Encouraging birds keeps pest species in check, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. 

Support conservation 
Providing safe nesting spaces during the crucial breeding season helps wildlife thrive. 

We hold some boxes in stock, with others made to order. Pick up is from Bere Marsh Farm. 

Find out more: 
www.thecrt.co.uk/bird-boxes-for-sale 

Across our other farms 

Bird boxes made by NatureWays at Twyford Farm

At Twyford Farm in West Sussex, Natureways Therapy, which offers workshops to inspire a sense of wellbeing and belonging to the natural world, has also been making bird boxes. 

The group meets at Twyford every Monday, taking part in a therapy group and helping with conservation. 

They are planning to make some more and will be putting the boxes up around Twyford Farm soon.