WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is offering people an opportunity to join its rent-a-nest scheme on its Tiddesley Wood and Badgers Wood nature reserves.

The scheme provides much needed housing for wild birds in the Vale of Evesham.

The nest boxes are needed as many natural nesting sites have been lost. Britain's woodlands, intensively managed over the centuries, often provide enough food to support birds and their chicks, but the clearance of dead and decaying trees means a shortage of natural nest holes.

By leasing a nest box on a Trust reserve, wildlife lovers can support a scheme which aims to increase the number of potential nesting sites for birds and so improve the chances of birds breeding successfully.

Dedicated volunteer wardens monitor the boxes. At the beginning of each season, boxes are cleaned out and made ready. According to tradition, February 14, St Valentine's Day, is when birds start to pair up before settling down to nest.

After establishing territories they will settling down to breed in their chosen box.

Ros Spanton, who administers the scheme, said: "Rent-a-nest is a wonderful way for people to learn more about birds. Nothing can replace the personal connection to your own nest box and its feathered residents. Children especially are fascinated to see where their nest box is, learn what sort of bird has taken up residence and how many chicks were hatched and raised."

An annual lease on a nest box costs £5 for a child, £10 for an adult or £15 for a group. In return, each leaseholder receives a certificate allocating a specific box, an invitation to visit their nest box with the reserve warden and a report in the autumn to say how well the birds fared over the nesting season.

Further information on how to join the rent-a-nest scheme is available from Ros Spanton on 01905 754919 or e-mail ros@worcswt.cix.co.uk.