Which nestbox?
With less natural nesting places available, birds need our help
Putting up bird boxes is a very good way of encouraging them back into our gardens
National Nest Box Week (14th-21st February) is a great time to do this, as most of our feathered friends will be on the lookout for the perfect place at this time of year.
There are so many different nest boxes available to buy that it can get very confusing, but below are a few hints and tips to help you get the right box for you.
Nest boxes tend to be natural in colour to help reflect sunlight. Man-made boxes can also help with protection from predators and the weather because of the more robust construction.
Woodcrete
nestbox
Nest boxes with a hole:
The best place to site a bird box with a hole is 2-4 metres from the ground either on a wall or tree.
The size of the hole will attract different birds:
25mm will attract birds like Blue Tits, Coal Tits or Marsh Tits
32mm will attract birds like Pied Flycatchers, Great Tits, Nuthatches and Tree Sparrows
Open fronted nest boxes:
The best place to site an open-fronted bird box is low down (under 2 metres), hidden in vegetation.
Be careful that predators can't reach them! Open fronted nest boxes will attract birds like Robins, Wrens & Spotted Flycatchers.
Terrace style nest boxes:
House sparrows will happily nest side by side, so a terrace style box with 2 or more entrance holes each into its own cavity can attract a whole community of sparrows to your garden! Attach high up under the eaves of your house or shed.