LOCAL residents and visitors will soon see a number of specially made bird boxes on trees around Stoke Lacy Churchyard.

It is hoped that these new homes will attract a variety of birds into the churchyard and surrounds.

This Wild Life Conservation initiative forms part of the Heritage Lottery Project for refurbishment of the church steeple and roof of St Peter and St Paul Church, Stoke Lacy.

Alma Westwood and Richard Combe, church wardens, are shown with samples of the different types and sizes of nest boxes, which include homes for blue tits, coal tits, great tits, robins, fly catchers and a massive box for a tawny owl.

Richard, who made the prototypes, is hoping that some keen handyman (or indeed a team of people) will come forward to help him make more.

They will need a minimum of 20 boxes to attract enough birds into their new "housing development" in time for spring nesting.

If you would like to help Richard, please ring him on 01885 482384.