Celtic Manor Resort - The Roman Road and The Montgomerie
Wales
Written by: Gary Connell
2024
Six starling nest boxes have been strategically positioned in a tree near the 15th green of the Roman Road course. This green is prone to heavy magpie damage, largely due to the presence of large populations of leather jackets. These pests pose a significant threat to the health of the turf by consuming grassroots, weakening its resilience and making it susceptible to various stresses, including drought and nutrient deficiencies.
The introduction of these nest boxes aims to encourage starlings to inhabit the area and feed on the leather jackets. Unlike magpies, starlings have smaller beaks that do not cause surface damage to the greens. This natural pest control method offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical treatments.
By promoting a diverse ecosystem of thriving birds, we hope to safeguard populations for the future while minimising the need for harmful pest control measures.
