Guides’ bird box project comes full circle at One Horton Heath

A special wildlife project has come full circle at One Horton Heath, as a bird box built and decorated by the Allbrook Girl Guides has now been installed within the new neighbourhood to support local birdlife.

The Guides first visited the site earlier this year as part of their Birdwatching badge, working alongside AJ Carpentry, Drywall Southern and students from The Route Skills Centre to build their own bird boxes using pre-cut wooden panels. After assembling the boxes, the group added their own colourful designs, carefully painting and weatherproofing them ready for outdoor use.

One of these handmade creations has now found a permanent home at One Horton Heath. Installed by the Eastleigh Borough Council team on a carefully chosen tree just off The Avenue, the bird box has been positioned to give nesting birds the best possible conditions. Facing north-east and placed around three metres above ground, the location provides shelter from harsh weather while keeping the box safely out of reach of predators. Aluminium nails were used during installation to protect the long-term health of the tree.

The brightly painted box is expected to attract small birds commonly found in the area, including blue tits, sparrows, robins, great tits and wrens, helping to encourage wildlife to settle within the growing community.

The project reflects One Horton Heath’s commitment to creating more than just new homes, supporting opportunities for young people to connect with nature while helping to enhance biodiversity and green spaces for future residents to enjoy.

Inspired to support wildlife at home? Building a bird box is a simple way to help local birds thrive in your own garden or community space. If you would like to learn more about how to build and correctly position a bird box, you can find helpful guidance and step-by-step advice here.