help please!

InnerCityBirdHide · #1 (**permalink**) 16-02-10, 05:09 PM

Hi again!

For those of you who have taken the time to read my blog, I would like to thank you and would also like to see what you think about the location and development for my Inner City Bird Hide.

I have a site of a town house on the periphery of Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets. The site has a garden that backs onto one of the waterways from the river lea and is overlooking the park.

The building is three stories high which would provide a fantastic viewing opportunity over the park.

I am also proposing that the space will function alongside the RSPB. I would like the space to be a place to watch birds but also a place where children can come and learn about ornithology.

Natural history is an area that schools are not teaching about as much as they may have in the past.I feel that it is important for children to respect and understand nature and to bring a new generation into the world of birding.

Any thoughts?

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog !

alanjns · #2 (**permalink**) 16-02-10, 08:33 PM

That sounds like a great idea, Victoria Park is a beautiful open space.

I used to live along the North East edge in Hackney Wick, back in the late 80's - wish I was bird watching then.

The use of one of the old victorian houses sounds ideal for comfort, shelter and security reasons. If the RSPB are to be involved it would also be an ideal situation for them to set up visitor facilities (toilets/cafe) and educational areas.

Perhaps a 'traditional' bird hide in the garden, over looking the waterways would be a good idea, with maybe a covered walkway from the house down to it?

Have you any plans for the windows of the house over looking the park? We birdwatchers like to open a window every now and then - weather permitting, which would raise health and safety concerns. Maybe safety barriers that don't restrict the view should be considered. An anti-glare, non-reflective coating on the windows would be good and some wide ledges to rest your elbows on and steady binoculars or clamp spotting scopes to, etc.

Good luck with your project.