In warehouse lingo, "nested" pallets are pallets that are fitted and stacked together for storage. But a British pallet and container supplier has put a much more literal spin on the term. East Sussex, U.K.-based distributor GoPlasticPallets recently donated seven pallets to be repurposed as makeshift nests for ospreys as part of a project aimed at reintroducing the bird of prey to England.
The effort dates back to 2001, when conservation group the Rutland Osprey Project launched an osprey-breeding program at Lyndon Nature Reserve in central England. GoPlasticPallets is now aiding the effort by providing its heavy-duty Qpall 1210 HR 5R polypropylene pallets, which are being mounted atop telephone poles and outfitted with a mesh of twigs, moss, grasses, and other nest material, the company says. Volunteers have built and installed five platforms so far on farmland in South Lincolnshire, with assistance from electricity provider Western Power. Plans call for a total of 10 platforms to be installed near water bodies where ospreys have been seen in past years.
Fans can view a webcam video showing a pair of the birds hatching eggs and feeding chicks, although it's not clear whether that particular nest is supported by a pallet. And yes, since these are birds, you can also follow them on (what else?) ... Twitter (@rutlandospreys).
