Nest Boxes in the Garden
A nest box is a great addition to your garden. It offers a convenient base for nesting birds and provides a sheltered roosting spot throughout the year.
Key benefits
1 - With natural nesting sites in decline due to a decrease in old trees and hedgerows, a nest box can provide a safe space for garden birds to raise their chicks.
2 – Nest boxes can attract a wider variety of bird species to your garden.
3 – They provide a window on the world of birds, allowing you to watch nesting birds, the feeding of chicks and the time when they finally fledge.
4 – Nest boxes encourage birds to stay in your garden throughout the year.
Different types for different birds
Nest boxes come with a choice of entry options. There are those with a small round hole and others with a more open front.
Small holed nest boxes – are loved by birds such as blue tits, coal tits and marsh tits. They are perfect for deterring large birds and keeping predators out.
Open fronted nest boxes – are ideal for birds such as robins, wrens, thrush and wagtails that prefer a ledge with some cover. As they can be more vulnerable to predators, avoid placing them in easy reach of cats.
Where to position your nest box
Small hole nest boxes – Site the box facing north or east to avoid strong sun, which can overheat chicks. You should also ensure that is sheltered from heavy rain and prevailing winds. Blue tits can be territorial, so don’t place them too close together. Sparrows on the other hand, are social little birds and can have their nest boxes sited closer proximity if space is more of an issue.
Boxes can be fixed to a tree, wall or fence, tilted slightly to ensure that any rain water drains away.
Open fronted nest boxes – Site them in dense cover and face them away from prevailing wind, rain and strong sun. Ensure they are in a quiet, undisturbed area and take care not to position the box next to another as this can lead to squabbles and competition.
Avoid placing either type of nest box next to bird feeders as the area will be much too busy and noisy.
What is National Nest Box Week?
This event takes place every year from 14 – 21 February and is designed to raise awareness of the need for safe nesting sites for our garden birds. A shortage of holes in trees and old buildings due to modern housing and tidier gardens means that nesting boxes are fulfilling a real need in the avian environment. Find out more about how you can help wild birds in your local area at National Nest Box Week