PUPILS in Bolton have been helping to build new homes for a native North-west bird, the common tern.

First, they created two tern rafts at Doffcocker Lodge at Heaton. Then, last weekend, they built a nesting place at Blackleach Local Nature Reserve, in Walkden.

The project is being organised by Bolton Conservation Volunteers (BCV) as part of its tern-aid programme, set up in 2002. The common tern was forced out of its traditional nesting places along the North-west coast by development at the beginning of the last century.

Members of BCV are currently looking to create more spaces where the bird can call its home Holly Taylor-Smith, aged eight, who goes to Rivington Primary School, was inspired to volunteer after seeing a leaflet in her local library in Horwich.

She said: "It was quite hard work pushing a wheelbarrow. It was quite heavy.

"It has been good fun. It means I get to go somewhere on a Sunday and I like getting dirty."

Rafts are made from polystyrene floats held together by a wooden frame, then covered in hessian and enclosed in 100 mm mesh fishnet. When completed they provide ideal breeding sites for terns which are relatively free from disturbance and predators.

Organiser Rick Parker said they had to build fences around the rafts as young terns try to fly before they can walk.

He added: "The young birds are determined to fly but they struggle because they cannot swim.

"I think we have a responsibility for them in a way. Human activity has displaced them and so we should do something to restore the balance."

For more information phone Rick on 01204 709399 or visit ww.bcv1.fsnet.co.uk