In message , Robin
writes
On 01/11/2020 16:31, TimW wrote:
I am involved in a project to put some small wooden structures like
nesting boxes out in some woodland. The Desire is that they should be
100% (or at least 99%) biodegradable, so they last as long as poss but
ultimately rot away to nothing. Fixing them in trees with synthetic
ropes or straps is therefore obviously a complete no-no. So
traditional rope is required.
There's a bewildering array of different materials - coir, hemp,
flax etc and some treatments as well like tarred rope. Does anyone
know what is a good choice here for just lasting a few years out in
the weather? Is it better to have thicker rope for lasting, or just
strong enough to do the job?


Won't the boxes be visited every couple of years or so to check they
are not restricting the growth of the trees, which would allow the use
of secure fixings (eg nylon straps) which can be removed when the boxes
reach the end of their natural lives?

Some Owl boxes put up here (edge of spinney facing 17 acres of
permanent grass) were ignored by potential residents.


--
Tim Lamb