WHEN Andrew and Jude Beebee moved into their new home in Malmesbury they were thrilled to discover they had their own private window on wildlife.

Mr Beebee arrived in the town in mid-January to take up the position of children and youth minister at Malmesbury Abbey.

He and his wife soon noticed that another couple settling in a few feet from the kitchen window of their High Street home.

Mrs Beebee said: “Two robins were busily building their nest in the wall directly outside our kitchen window, allowing us a beautiful view to watching this feathery family grow.

“We first noticed them as they were curiously watching us unpack our plants and pots in the garden.

“While unpacking boxes in the kitchen we realized, already taking shape was a nest in the brick-shaped hole literally just outside the window.

“We weren't sure if our move-in would unsettle them but we were delighted when they stayed.”

Mrs Beebee said that about two months after she and her husband had started their new life in Malmesbury, five little robin chicks began their own lives when they hatched in the nest.

She went on: “It was a unique privilege to get to watch them grow and develop at such close proximity.

“As I am a freelance artist, they have proved to be an excellent subject to paint too.

“All five chicks successfully fledged - the first three chicks fled the nest on the same day, and then the two smaller, but no less confident ones, the following day.

“Watching their entrances in to the big wide world was exciting, adorable and emotional.”

She added: “My paintings will be part of Malmesbury's first Art Trail this September and are likely to feature works inspired by our robin family. They are fantastic birds.”