2025

Unlike some of our more celebrated raptors, kestrels often slip under the radar, which makes understanding their needs, and finding practical ways to support them, all the more important.

One important way of supporting these birds has been through the installation of nest boxes, providing them with suitable and safe roosting and nesting sites. Protecting and monitoring these birds therefore relies heavily on the support of farmers, landowners, and dedicated volunteers.

Thanks to Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, we have helped create a safer haven for beach-nesting birds on the North Solent National Nature Reserve in Hampshire. With our partners, we’ve transformed a 1.7ha area of scrub-grassland into an open expanse of coastal vegetated shingle and this tailor-made ‘hotel for birds’ opened for business in March this year.

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and congratulations to our fantastic winners and runners-up! We wanted to see your unique interpretation of ‘Nature’s Gift,’ and you certainly delivered! From majestic birds to cheeky mammals, and stunning scenery, we were blown away by the range and variety of entries.