The results of this year’s Bird Box Project show another successful breeding season and further evidence that our efforts to support wildlife across Middleton Hall are making a real difference.

A total of 34 bird boxes were occupied this year, compared with 32 in 2025. Even more encouraging was the increase in the number of eggs and chicks recorded, rising from 211 last year to 277 this year – an increase of 66 young birds.

Blue Tits enjoyed a particularly successful season, with 24 families recorded compared with 18 in 2025. Great Tits also remained well represented with 10 families nesting across the village.

The project has also helped increase biodiversity on site. Alongside Blue Tits and Great Tits, larger nest boxes attracted species including Jackdaws, Tawny Owls and Stock Doves, demonstrating that a wider variety of birds are finding suitable habitats within the estate

Thank you to all residents and co-owners who adopted bird boxes and supported the project throughout the year.

Congratulations to our prize winners for 2026:

🥇 Box 27 – Blue Tit nest with 13 eggs

🥈 Box 26 – Great Tit nest with 12 chicks

🥉 Joint Third Place:

Box 39 – Blue Tit nest with 11 eggs

Box 55 – Blue Tit nest with 11 eggs

The first and second prize winners also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Estate, along with an additional gift to mark their achievement.