Eden District Council recently came to the aid of robins who had chosen a green wheeled bin in which to raise their brood.
Residents near Newbiggin, Temple Sowerby contacted Recycling Officers at the Council after coming across the nest whilst gardening. Being both keen gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts, the householders requested an additional bin to enable them to keep on gardening whilst allowing the robins to raise their young undisturbed.
Eden District Council's Chief Executive Kevin Douglas said: "Our Recycling Officers have delivered a temporary replacement garden waste bin to the property and lifted the lid of the been where the robins are in residence to take a look and saw one of the parents sitting on a very neat compact nest made from grass cuttings. The lid was propped open a few inches, just enough to allow the adult robins to get in and out to feed and also give some protection from predators. We've never heard of one of our bins being used in this way before but are very happy to be encouraging wildlife."
The garden waste collection scheme, operated by Eden and Carlisle councils collects from over 18,000 households in Eden on a fortnightly basis during the growing season. All garden waste collected is shredded, composted and used as a growing medium. During the 2007-2008 financial year, a massive 4,280 tonnes of garden waste were collected in the kerbside scheme; material which might otherwise have ended up in landfill.
For more information about Eden District Council tel: (01768) 817817.
For further media information please contact the Communication Officer:
