Native birds throughout the region are singing the praises of Neil Rogers and the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust for providing places where they can live.

Neil coordinates a bush regeneration program for detainees from Silverwater's Periodic Detention Centre along the banks of Toongabbie Creek behind the Westmead and the New Children's Hospitals. With the support from the Trust, Neil has recently started installing bird nesting boxes as part of the program.

Neil said, "Urban growth in Sydney has greatly reduced the number of older trees that provide habitat for many bird species. A tree usually needs to be around 70 years old before it develops the hollows that birds can use as nests".

"Under this program we have installed over 50 bird boxes along Toongabbie Creek to compensate for this lack of habitat".

"The Trust has been a great help, providing financial support and encouragement for this program" Neil went on to say.

The program has other long-term benefits. Detainees are encouraged to develop their carpentry skills by making the bird boxes. The bush regeneration group then mount the boxes in suitable trees.

Bob Junor, Chairman of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust commented, "The partnership with the Periodic Detention Centre has been really successful. So far we have seen birds such as Rosellas, Lorikeets and Galahs using the boxes. It's great to see such a large number of birds returning to the banks of our creeks and waterways".

The program has been so successful that Neil has been asked to supply another 50 bird nesting boxes for other parts of Sydney, but for this he needs someone to donate second-hand waterproof plywood. Left over formwork is ideal.

If you can help by donating plywood to be used for the boxes, or would like more information on the bird nesting boxes, please contact the Trust on 9891 4633.