Volunteers recreate Washington Village in the form of bird boxes as they look to raise funds and encourage wildlife

Talented garden lovers have recreated their neighbourhood in the form of bird boxes to help encourage wildlife and support a good cause.
By Sam Johnson
Published 28th Feb 2021, 07:00 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2021, 10:02 BST
Washington Village recreated in the form of bird boxesWashington Village recreated in the form of bird boxes
Washington Village recreated in the form of bird boxes

Volunteers at Washington Village in Bloom have recreated popular spots from around the historic village in models which also serve as bird boxes.

The Cross Keys Pub, The Washington Arms, The Steps Pub and the the village’s war memorial all feature in the series.

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It has been a challenging year for the group, with coronavirus restrictions limiting its fundraising activities, and it’s hoped the bird box project will help.

Bird boxes made by volunteers at the Washington Village in Bloom groupBird boxes made by volunteers at the Washington Village in Bloom group
Bird boxes made by volunteers at the Washington Village in Bloom group

Washington Village in Bloom group is offering sponsorship of the unique boxes for £25.

The team was awarded gold in the 2019 Northumbria in Bloom competition, which saw Washington Village entered into Britain in Bloom, which was postponed due to the pandemic.

Joan Atkinson, chairwoman of Washington Village in Bloom, said the bird boxes have quickly become an attraction in the village, and praised volunteers who came up with the idea.

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She said: “Washington village is a very close-knit community. It’s amazing what this group of people can achieve. People are very generous and we’ve already raised £90 from the birdboxes.

The Steps Pub recreated as a bird boxThe Steps Pub recreated as a bird box
The Steps Pub recreated as a bird box

“We’re all desperate to feel normal again and I think people appreciate what people do for each other and the community.”

As well as local attractions, the group made a number of other unique bird boxes, which were put on display for the community to see.

Volunteers of the group are also busy creating bat boxes and hedgehog boxes as they look to encourage wildlife in the village.

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Related topics:VolunteersPeople