Q&A with Project Nestbox

One of the best parts of our job is meeting other organisations and individuals who are so incredibly passionate about nature; it is humbling to witness the determination and dedication that people have for creating positive change within the natural world.

One of those such people is Rich Evans from Pont-y-pwl, who has spent over ten years helping and conserving wildlife in South Wales. Following an injury that left him on crutches, Rich used his time to build nest boxes, a skill he learnt as a child, and from there Project Nestbox was born. Since 2009 Rich has built over 8,000 nest boxes for birds, owls, dormice, hedgehogs and bats.

Q. When did you start Project Nestbox?

A. I started Project Nestbox back in 2009 following a road traffic accident. I came home from hospital on crutches and was totally bored sat around the house. The following day I started making nest boxes.

Q. How did Project Nestbox come about? What is the story behind it?

A. I have been making nest boxes since I was six years old. My dad showed me how to make my first nest box and together we placed it on a tree in a woodland next to our house. We checked on the nest box in the spring and I can remember the day as if it was yesterday. My dad picked me up to look inside and I was mesmerised for life. There were ten little Bluetit eggs just about visible among the cup of feathers and moss. I thought they were little crown jewels.

That particular moment galvanised my love and passion for animals, wildlife and particularly woodland birds. Fifty years later and I have made well over 8,000 nest boxes by hand. 

Back in 2009 I started searching for lost Tree Sparrows, I did extensive research into declining species and I discovered that Tree Sparrows had become more or less extinct from Wales. I was horrified, and the more research I did, and actually witnessing the decline and in some cases the disappearance of birds in my street, the more convinced I became that I needed to take action.

Bluetit eggs

Q. How many Nestboxes have you sited so far and over what locations have you covered?

A. I have sited (and monitor) 1,000 small Tit/Robin boxes, mainly for Pied, Spotted Flycatchers and Redstart. I have erected 150 Barn owl nest boxes, lost count of the number of Tawny Owl boxes, 50 Little Owl, numerous Swift and House Martin boxes and nests, 100's of Dormouse, Hedgehog and Bat nest boxes.

My main area is Torfaen, Monmouthshire and South Powys but I've also posted my nest boxes to many places in the UK and Ireland.

Rich has built over 8,000 nest boxes.

Q. What did you do before Project Nestbox?

A.I started in the military at the tender age of 15. I spent 3 years in the British Army until a leg injury put a stop to my military career. I then spent 2 years as an apprentice carpenter which is mainly where I got my woodworking skills from. 

I then decided to re-train as a Youth and Community worker which I did for about 15 years. I then had the opportunity to become an Education Welfare Officer, which I did until early retirement due to ill health.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your project?

A. Obviously, I enjoy ringing, especially Owl chicks, Barn Owl chicks in particular. A part of my project that I really enjoy is visiting schools and presenting talks on my project, including the plight of many species of birds and wildlife. 

But the best part is spending time in beautiful surroundings with my little k9 companion, Eira, my Springer Spaniel.