Nesting Boxes

Bird nesting boxes will help to encourage many types of birds into your garden by giving them a safe place to nest and bring up their young. A nest box is a brilliant substitute for a tree hole. There are different types of nesting boxes suitable for different types of birds – the type of box, where it is placed, and the size of the hole will determine what species is attracted to it. It is best to put up your nestbox in the autumn as most birds will enter nestboxes during the autumn and winter, looking for somewhere suitable to roost or feed. They will often use the same boxes for nesting the following spring. Ensure the birds will have a clear flight path to the entrance and tilt the box forward slightly so any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear. If the box is not shaded by trees or buildings face it between north and east, to avoid strong sunlight. Boxes for tits, sparrows or starlings should be fixed two to four metres up a tree or a wall, although house sparrows and starlings will also use nestboxes placed high up under the eaves. Open-fronted nesting boxes for robins and wrens need to be low down (below 2m) and hidden in vegetation.