It’s not often the worlds of style and wildlife collide but earlier this year the RSPB and the British Fashion Council joined forces as London Fashion Week and National Nestbox Week coincided.
Top names from the British fashion industry, including Jasper Conran, Julien Macdonald and Dame Vivienne Westwood, put their stamp on a plain nestbox and these unique bird hotels went on display for all to see at London Fashion Week AW14. They were then auctioned on eBay and raised over £2,000 for the nature conservation charity. The highest bid for one of the most eye-catching designs went to west Belfast woman Cathy Creighton. The unusual nestbox, adorned with black chiffon and lace, was created by celebrated designer John Rocha CBE.
“Out of all the designs, I had my eye on the John Rocha one from the start,” Cathy said.
“I couldn’t believe it when I won – it’s really beautiful and I’m proud to have bought it for such a great cause.”
While the designer nestboxes aren’t suitable for practical use, the RSPB hopes the project will raise awareness of the importance of creating homes for nature.
All funds raised from the auction will help the charity give a wide range of wildlife a home – from putting up nestboxes for tree sparrows, managing nature reserves and fighting to protect the UK’s most valuable wildlife sites. John Rocha commented: “I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful project. I have found inspiration and huge joy in nature throughout my life, and this a great opportunity to share that joy.
“I really hope it encourages everyone to help look after nature and to give nature a home in their gardens or even on their windowsills.”
To allow everyone to enjoy it, Cathy has kindly loaned the nestbox to Belfast Central Library.
It is now part of the library’s wonderful exhibition about the history of Belfast’s parks which is situated in the main entrance hall. The display runs until mid-May and is free to view.
