Fancy a bit of DIY?
Our Woolacombe rangers teamed up with the Ocean Explorers group from Plastic Free North Devon a few weeks ago to make some weasel boxes for Woolacombe Down but we need some help to finish them off and make a few more. So, we are holding a drop-in volunteering session on 22nd August between 10 am and 1 pm, where you can build your own.
Why are we building weasel boxes?
We have been improving the quality of the habitat on Woolacombe Down, turning it from land used for grazing and agriculture into a place with more varied habitats, greater biodiversity and able to support a wider range of species.
This work has resulted in a habitat that is great for rabbits and small mammals as well as birds. Combine an abundance of food with the collapsed walls, and in theory, you have some perfect weasel habitat.
To help support any weasels that are currently on the Down, and to encourage more we will be building & installing these boxes across the site. The hope is that these will not only provide them with safe nesting space but will also allow us to monitor the population using camera traps inside the boxes.
If you would like to join in, you'll find us up on Woolacombe Down, in the North Devon Hang Gliders field (what3words: buzz.stuff.polishing or coordinates: 51°09'31.2"N 4°12'13.7"W). Please follow the track from Challacombe Hill, along towards the sea. Keep an eye out for our ranger team in red, you can park up in the field near where the activity is taking place. All ages and experience levels are welcome. we hope to see you there!
NTI/ Fraser Goodfellow
