Shepherds Huts as bird hides

AmyNightingale · #1 (**permalink**) 20-07-2011, 04:09 PM

Hi all,

We have just started making shepherds huts, and wondered if they would be suitable to market as bird hides?

Let me know what you think

Cheers Amy

Tursiops2 · #2 (**permalink**) 20-07-2011, 04:15 PM

Hi welcome to WAB

er... what exactly are shepherd huts? Got any photos?

DorsetDunk · #3 (**permalink**) 20-07-2011, 05:18 PM

they have been used as hides by the RSPB at middlebere heath Dorset
and being mobile are certainly an effective way to bypass planning regulations in having a fixed structure
are they the original design with bunk bed little window above and space for a chimney or just the shell ?
How much are they going for

Plankbridge · #4 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 11:02 AM

Shepherds huts make great bird hides. At Plankbridge, here in Dorset, we have built several that are used as bird hides, and wildlife watching hides, all over the country. We did one for a customer in Wiltshire who had four windows strategically placed so he could sit in his armchair in a wildflower meadow and see all around him. From our one at home, which is by a small lake and wet meadow, we often see the deer, kingfishers etc. all of which have no idea we are there. Being insulated, and with the small woodburner going, a shepherd's hut makes a good alternative to a more traditional hide. Interestingly we are just restoring a living van (similar to a shepherd's hut) for the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

DorsetDunk · #5 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 12:10 PM

Thanks Plankbridge Nice to know you are nearby as i have been yearning to get one for years and I now have access to land that i can site one on
I think the original style of shepherds wagon have real character and charm and perfectly suited for placing on reserves and the benefit of being on wheels means they are not so cold and damp in the winter as the toilet block type hides even if they do not have wood burners installed

AmyNightingale · #6 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 04:48 PM

Hey Dorsetdunk,

Glad to hear you are interested in shepherds huts, my husband makes them to order. His prices start from around £7000 with a stove. Pm me for his number, Im sure he'd be happy to chat with you about it or even show you one.

We have one which i sit in and photograph a resident barn owl hunting over the corn fields.

I would imagine they would be nice for bird hides as you can stay in them all day and not get cold in the winter!!

Amy x

DorsetDunk · #7 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 06:29 PM

thanks Amy does that included delivery costs as you are a long way from me

AmyNightingale · #8 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 07:02 PM

delivery to dorest would be about £250. will pm you

Plankbridge · #9 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 07:13 AM

DorsetDunk, we are about to start our 100th hut, which has been commisioned by a retired farmer who has Dorset sheep. Nice to think that 100 years since the heyday of the shepherd's hut we are building our 100th hut for a shepherd. Do come and have a look if you have time. Other shepherds hut makers are, of course, available!

nigel_b · #10 (**permalink**) 27-07-2011, 08:49 AM

Sorry to partially hijack the thread but the hide on the track to Middlebere farm is shepherd-hut style then? And the one up the hill (Harrier Hide is it?). Are they old shepherds' huts or built in the style of?

I'll take some photos next time I'm down there and post them, probably in a new thread.