In 2023, artists Louise McCurdy and Steve Geliot of the Save Our Starlings campaign launched a grassroots initiative to combat the decline of Brighton's local Starling population. Working from their own kitchens, they hand-built 200 nest boxes using locally grown larch wood. These boxes were strategically donated to schools and community groups in key Starling habitats, including six installed in Preston Park. Funded by Starling-themed T-shirt sales, this project highlights how collective local action can restore nature to our doorsteps.
Beyond nest boxes, the campaign successfully petitioned the City Council, with nearly 120,000 signatures, resulting in a clear policy change towards the reduction in the use of pesticides on the council-owned City Downland Estate and to bring in measures to reduce light pollution - both moves vital for protecting the insects Starlings rely on for food.
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