Celebrating National Bird Day at One Horton Heath

National Bird Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the birds that live alongside us and to take a moment to appreciate the wildlife on our doorstep. At One Horton Heath, nature is not something new that has arrived with the development. It is something that has been carefully protected and is continuing to thrive as the community grows.

The site is shaped by historic hedgerows, mature trees and open green spaces that have supported wildlife for generations. These features remain a defining part of the landscape today, providing vital habitats for birds and other wildlife and helping nature sit alongside new homes in a meaningful way.

From protected species nesting on site to familiar garden birds visiting green spaces, One Horton Heath shows how people and wildlife can thrive together.

One of the most exciting recent discoveries has been barn owl chicks nesting in specially installed owl boxes on site. Barn owls are a protected species in the UK and their presence is a strong indicator of a healthy environment, with suitable hunting grounds and undisturbed nesting areas.

Alongside barn owls, a range of other bird species have been spotted, including great tits and nuthatches. These birds rely heavily on hedgerows, trees and connected green corridors for food, shelter and safe movement across the landscape, all of which are a key part of the site’s character.

Seeing birds settle, nest and raise their young highlights the value of retaining historic landscape features and creating places where wildlife feels safe.

Supporting wildlife through careful design

Caring for nature is central to the wider vision at One Horton Heath. Historic hedgerows have been retained and reinforced, green spaces and woodland areas are woven through the site, and habitats are carefully connected to support birds and other wildlife as the community grows.

Bird boxes have been installed to provide additional nesting opportunities, while natural planting creates food sources and shelter throughout the year. Together, these measures help birds move safely across the site and support a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

By building with nature in mind, One Horton Heath is helping to protect local birdlife now and for future generations.

How you can help birds

National Bird Day is also a chance for everyone to get involved. Simple actions can make a real difference to birds in your local area, such as:

• Putting up a bird box or feeder in your garden
• Leaving a shallow bowl of water outside for birds to drink
• Avoiding disturbance to nesting areas during spring and summer

Small steps like these help birds feel safe and supported close to home.

Enjoy birdwatching together

Birdwatching is an easy and enjoyable activity for all ages. A short walk can become a fun learning experience by listening for birdsong, spotting different colours and shapes, and trying to identify the birds you see along hedgerows and green spaces.

Children often enjoy keeping a simple bird-spotting list or drawing the birds they find. Spending time outdoors together helps build curiosity about nature while creating lasting family memories.

This National Bird Day, we’re proud to celebrate the birds that already call One Horton Heath home, and the historic landscape that continues to support wildlife as the community grows.