Ide Community Orchard

01/06/2026

Hello. I’ve put together a compilation of some the footage from the Ide Community Orchard nestbox, to try to capture a little of what has been going on for the last few weeks.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the updates. It’s been a fab thing to share and it’s so great that so many birds grew up strong enough to fly the nest.

It’s also the first time in three years we’ve had anything like a happy ending to our nestbox journey!

Here’s to next year and thanks for the lovely comments on the clips.

Mark

On behalf of Ide Community Orchard

21/05/2026

Hi folks. I thought you might like to see this latest clip from the Ide Community Orchard nest box. You can very clearly see how the chicks are growing rapidly, with one of them looking not far off being ready to fly the nest.

Happy Thursday!

Mark
On behalf of Ide Community Orchard

15/05/2026

Hello. A bit of Ide Community Orchard nestbox action for you; I think you can see feathers on the chicks which is v exciting! With the time between hatching and fledging only 3 weeks, it’s all going to happen pretty quickly…

Mark
On behalf of Ide Community Orchard

11/05/2026

Hello - here’s your Monday evening Ide Community Orchard nestbox action. I think there’s 5-6 hungry chicks here!
Hopefully we can see them grow over the coming days - it’s around 3 weeks before they fledge.

Mark

07/05/2026

Hello. We now have 6 Great Tit chicks in the Ide Community Orchard nest box! Two are still to hatch - perhaps tomorrow? Whatever happens, it’s going to be busy!

There’s lots of comings and goings as the birds look for food for their hungry offspring.
Below is a video from today and a still.

Mark
On behalf of Ide Community Orchard

06/05/2026

Hello. So… we have 2 chicks in the Ide Community Orchard nestbox! They emerged today. There are 6 more eggs so everything crossed for the others.

The video below gives you a small flavour. Things are ramping up now so whether you like it or not, expect more updates! You have been warned…

Thanks

Mark
On behalf of Ide Community Orchard

28/04/2026

Hello. Just a reminder that next Monday, Ide Community Orchard will be hosting a Blossom Celebration together with Japan in Devon.

It all starts at 11.00 for tea and cake, courtesy of Kanako's Cakes. Then get set for an afternoon of music, poetry (a haiku writing competition!), tea making with Exeter Tea company, ‘The House of Hope & Mercy in the Jungle’ and a walk and talk.

Bring a picnic if you fancy plus a chair or blanket to sit on!

Looking forward to seeing you!

Mark
On behalf of Ide Community Orchard

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

Hello. Exciting news from our nest box: our Great Tit has laid five eggs (today?). Obv early days, but everything crossed for a happy outcome!

Watch out for more updates.

Mark
On behalf of Ide Community Orchard

20/04/2026

Hello. A heads up about a special event taking place in Ide Community Orchard on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4th. It’s a Blossom Celebration which we are holding with a group called ‘Japan in Devon’. Together we celebrating this beautiful time of year, embracing the idea of ‘Hanami’ or enjoying the transient nature of flowers.

We’ll have some Japanese flavoured music as well as some from our own Lily Ballard, a tea making ceremony, a walk and talk and a haiku competition!

Bring a picnic and something to sit on. Stay for as long or as little as you want.

We might even have some Japanese cakes on sale - although tbc!

The fun starts at 11.00.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Mark
On behalf of Ide Community Orchard