ALLOTMENT sheds are normally the place for keeping gardening tools and the odd flask of tea, but Jenny the blackbird had other ideas, when she turned up at Colin Cropley s Ely allotment three weeks ago. On May Day (May 1) Jenny produced four healthy baby

ALLOTMENT sheds are normally the place for keeping gardening tools and the odd flask of tea, but Jenny the blackbird had other ideas, when she turned up at Colin Cropley's Ely allotment three weeks ago.

On May Day (May 1) Jenny produced four healthy baby blackbirds in a nest tucked into the corner of Mr Cropley's shed.

Mr Cropley, who spends almost every day tending to his fruit and veg at Deacon's Lane, said: "It was about three weeks ago that I first noticed a bit of old grass on the shelf and brushed it off, but the next morning it was there again, so I collected more bits of old grass and made some space for her. It's lovely for her in there, dry and cosy."

"When she first made her nest and laid those eggs she would sit on them while I had my coffee and take no notice, she was perfectly happy. Now, as soon as I go in, she flies out," said Mr Cropley, who has yet to name any of the baby blackbirds. Jenny manages to get in and out through a gap in the old shed door where the wood has worn away, but Mr Cropley is loath to replace it with a new one.

"I hope she'll come back next year, I'll keep the nest for her just in case," he added.

Mr Cropley supplies the Old Fire Engine House with gooseberries from the allotment and is a member of City of Ely Military Band, though he has yet bring his tuba along to serenade the baby blackbirds.