The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) encourages everyone to put up a nest box to contribute to UK bird conservation at this time of year.
Natural nest sites for birds such as holes in trees or old buildings are disappearing fast as gardens are ‘tidied’ and old houses are repaired.
Taking part in National Nest Box Week gives you the chance to contribute to bird conservation whilst giving you the pleasure of observing any breeding birds that you attract to your nest box. The BTO has a handing leaflet on nest boxes you can download.
Follow these handy tips when placing your nest box in the garden:
- Place away from other nest boxes to avoid aggression between bird
- Situate in a sheltered place to prevent rain, strong sunlight and wind from entering the nest box
- Place at about 3m high on a tree trunk. If you have no trees in you garden use a shed or wall.
- Keep open-fronted nest boxes out of sight near a wall or fence obscured by shrubbery and creepers.
- Make sure cats and squirrels cannot access the box.
- Position away from bird feeders to avoid disturbing nesting pairs.
- Put up nest boxes in spring as pairs begin to look for a place to nest in February.
Visit our Bird Care department for everything you need to attract wild birds to your garden.
