A WILDLIFE trust has hailed the success of a series of events held across the region aimed at improving the welfare of local birds.

The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust staged the Provide Bed and Breakfast for Our Birds week of hands-on events over the half term holidays, with the aim of engaging families and young people to learn and care about their local wildlife.

The five events were held on five separate days on sites across the Tees Valley region.

Sue Antrobus, wild green places manager for the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, said: “It was a really, really good week.

“We aimed the events at families, and there was a great response – there were 93 children at the Errington Wood event, for instance, which was beyond what we could have expected.

“The events were all held at small urban sites – this shows that you really can make anywhere better for birds, and people came away with a lot of ideas and tips on what they can do at home.”

Activities varied from bird box making, producing bird feed, learning about birds and how to care for them, and even a treasure trail with a prize for the winners.

Ms Antrobus added:“The children really enjoyed it, especially getting hands on and mixing the lard and nuts and meal worms for the feed.

“There were a range of different ages, from under five to teenagers, so it was important that there was something for everyone.

“There’s an idea that young people would rather stay in than go outdoors, but they have a natural interest in wildlife, and really enjoyed learning and getting involved.”