Mark resident and retired dentist Colin Taylor recently requested some off-cuts of wood from locally-based Somerlap, and hopes that as a result the whole community will become more interested in nature.

Colin has known Somerlap's technical administration manager Nigel Puddy for many years - he was the senior partner at the dental practice Nigel attends.

He contacted Nigel to ask if Somerlap would donate some scrap wood for him to make bird boxes, to be used at a school for underprivileged children where his daughter teaches.

Having completed these, he realised he had some wood left over – and is now using it to make bird boxes for local families to use and enjoy.

Colin's altruistic gesture is purely to encourage an interest in nature among local people and, with the RSPB's Garden Bird Watch and Big School Bird Watch events over the next few weeks, it is an ideal time to do so.

He will be advertising the free bird boxes on local social media pages, and hopes that it will spark a long-term love of nature among recipients.

Colin said: "Somerlap's generous donation meant that I could produce everything which my daughter's school needed, and as I had some left over I decided to share their generosity with others in the community.

"Any more scrap wood that would otherwise be chipped is gratefully accepted, as I will then be able to provide even more bird boxes for local people."

Kevin Bond, managing director of Somerlap, said: "We're delighted that our offcuts are being put to such good use, and will hopefully inspire local people to take an interest in the wonderful countryside we have in our area of Somerset."