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Energy staff have been turning electricity poles into love-shacks for birds of prey at a County Durham nature reserve.

Staff from CE Electric UK – the company responsible for the electricity distribution network in the North East – are using the poles, which would normally hold overhead power lines, to support nesting boxes for the struggling kestrel at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve in Houghton-le-Spring.

The birds - most commonly seen hovering beside roadside verges - have recently been declining in number because intensive farming is destroying their natural habitats.

Jim Cokill, Director of Durham Wildlife Trust, who manage the Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, explained that the nesting boxes would be a real boost to the birds’ chances of recovery.

He said: “Natural nesting sites for kestrels are holes in old trees or on the ledges of cliffs or buildings. Finding a suitable nesting site can be a struggle as there are fewer old trees or buildings that are suitable. By erecting artificial nest boxes on poles, we are replicating natural nest sites and giving the kestrel a chance to thrive.  

“The poles offer a fantastic alternative as they provide fantastic visibility and flight lines for the bird, and a convenient perch to hunt from.  Hopefully, next spring we will have more pairs of breeding kestrels at Rainton thanks to the efforts of CE Electric.’’

Pete Carr, a team manager at CE Electric UK’s Penshaw call centre, has been getting the company involved in projects at the reserve since last year, when staff volunteered to help improve the wildlife garden.

“I can’t wait for the birds start nesting in them,” he said.  “It’s a great project to be involved in and if it increases their chances of recovery, it’s all been worthwhile.  Most of us who have been helping out live nearby, so we’ll definitely be coming back – it’s a fantastic little place that the whole community can enjoy.”

The Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and has a variety of habitats including grassland, scrub, mature woodland and ponds. Mute swan, skylark, short-eared owl, brown hare, lapwing and many types of wildfowl are regularly seen at the site as well as roe dear. Entry is free and there is a visitor centre and café.

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Did you know?

·         Kestrels can see ultra-violet light

·         They can see beetles from up to 50 metres away

·         The word kestrel derives from the French for rattle. They make a fast chirruping sound.

·         Kestrels live for around 10 years in the wild

·         Kestrels are expert hoverers and are often seen in the sky above roads or motorways, or perched on a high spot, such as a branch, telephone pole or wire.

·         Along with the buzzard and sparrowhawk, the kestrel is the most common bird of prey in the UK.  Although there are thought to be more than 35,000 pairs, numbers have been declining.