‘This workshop was first offered in 2011, and proved very successful with participants who learned a great deal about the habitats of animals they were keen to encourage into their gardens and homes. As they took home the boxes they made on the day, we were thrilled to hear of new residents moving in shortly after. This year’s course follows the same format and we hope that more local people will want to learn about the various species of bats, birds and bees to be found in the area, how these species help with pest control and pollination and how we can encourage them.’

Priority for places on the workshop will be given to Dartmoor residents who wish to learn more about local habitats and practical ways to assist wildlife. The minimum age for participants is 16 years. The workshop will start at 10 am, finishing at 2.30pm, with a short break for lunch. The venue is DNPA’s Conservation Works Depot in St John’s Lane, Bovey Tracey. Disabled parking only will be available at the Depot; suggested parking is at Station Road car park (pay and display) just a short walk away.

Places are limited (24) and must be pre-booked. For further information and to book a place, please ring Sue Halse or Cate Jackson on (01626) 832093, by Monday 5 March 2012 (Please note DNPA reserves the right to cancel if there is insufficient demand). There is no charge for the day, but donations are requested towards the cost of materials. 

Tea and coffee will be provided, but please bring your own packed lunch. The workshop includes a short walk around Bovey Tracey, so please ensure you have suitable warm/waterproof clothing and appropriate footwear. All materials and tools for making the boxes will be provided.

Ends

For further information:

Sue Halse, Conservation Officer
Cate Jackson, Ecologist
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

Bats are in serious decline due to the loss of roosting and feeding sites. They are commonly found in houses, especially if situated near to a watercourse or woodland. A large number of roosts have been found in houses in the National Park. Bats will roost in the smallest of cracks in your wall or your roof, and readily take up bat-boxes. They do not cause damage to your property, but they will eat the mosquitoes in your garden and help pollinate your flowers.

Birds such as sparrows, tits and robins are found in even the smallest of gardens. Larger gardens may also contain species such as owls and kestrels, whilst more rural dwellings will have swallows, house martins or starlings. Different species of bird use different types of box, and here you will have the opportunity to make a box that suits your garden.

Many once familiar bees and wasps have declined dramatically over past decades, mainly due to the loss of flower rich meadows, as well as the widespread use of pesticides on farmland and in gardens. Most species of bee and wasp do not sting, but are important pollinators. Bees and wasps can be encouraged to nest by providing them with insect boxes in which they can live and breed and pollinate the flowers in your garden!

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:

• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;
• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.

You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority by subscribing.

For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk

For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Online Shop.

There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads. National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.