I've heard that young deer often hide in patches of nettles, they must be imune too

Seems like a good place to nest if they don't get stung and the predators do.

Dean.

and I believe Simon in believing you are right Henry...

I believe you are right Henerz.

I think the feathers provide a layer of protection Tony, not 100% sure though.

I went to Inner Marsh farm today to see the Avocet chicks and the Spoonbill. I noticed some Black-headed Gulls had nested in a clump of Stinging Nettles - do birds get 'stung' in the same way as mammals ? Presumably Stinging Nettles evolved to deter grazing animals but the Gulls didn't seem bothered.