North Devon Farms

ALT An infographic outlining the steps to clean and replace nest boxes. You will need gloves, hot water, bucket, sponge, small handful of hay or wood shavings. 1. Wearing gloves, remove old nesting material from the box, 2. Pour hot water over the box and scrub with the sponge to kill or remove any remaining parasites and dirt, 3. Leave box outside to dry thoroughly. Remember to wash your hands, 4. Once dry, place a small handful of clean hay (not straw) or wood shavings in the bottom of the nest box, 5. Making sure the lid is secure, put the box back up., 6. Keep your eyes peeled for any small mammals or birds that may use the box to hibernate or roost throughout the winter. You should dispose of unhatched eggs, but they can only be legally removed between September and January.

ALT Beaver 'lawns' next to a watercourse in the Otter valley, created by beavers feeding on plants at the water's edge