Old electricity poles given new life as bird boxes

Old electricity poles are being used to install nest boxes for birds of prey at a South Gloucestershire nature reserve.

The project at Catbrain Hill, delivered by our Bristol team and YTL Developments (UK) Limited, has seen two repurposed wooden poles adapted to hold boxes, creating new nesting opportunities for owls and kestrels.

We donated the poles as part of its commitment to responsible reuse, while YTL Developments supported the installation within the reserve.

Steve Blackwell, our Head of Operations for Bristol, said: “Loss of nesting habitat remains a real challenge for many bird species. Repurposing our old poles to support new nesting sites is a practical way we can help, and we were delighted to play a part in this initiative.

“Working with partners to reuse our infrastructure in this way shows how small changes can deliver real benefits for local wildlife.”

Janine Parker, Head of Property Estates at YTL Developments said: "This project is a fantastic example of smart and sustainable reuse. Barn owls are an iconic British bird species whose population has been in decline, and we are delighted to have been able to use one of the poles to create an improved roost and breeding site.

"We hope to use the remaining pole to support a nest box for the kestrels that are frequently seen hunting over the airfield during the day.

"It’s important not to underestimate the value of initiatives like this in helping to protect and enhance local wildlife habitats. Our plans for Brabazon include 15 acres of green space designed to support a wide range of wildlife and we hope that, in time, owls will be among the species that call it home."