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This depends on the species the box is intended for. Boxes for tits, sparrows or starlings should be fixed two to four metres up a tree or a wall.
Unless there are trees or buildings which shade the box during the day, face the box between north and east, thus avoiding strong sunlight and the wettest winds.
Make sure that the birds have a clear flight path to the nest without any clutter directly in front of the entrance. Tilt the box forward slightly so that any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear.
House sparrows and starlings will readily use nestboxes placed high up under the eaves. Since these birds nest in loose colonies, two or three can be sited spaced out on the same side of the house. Keep these away from areas where house martins normally nest.
Open-fronted boxes for robins and wrens need to be low down, below 2m, well hidden in vegetation. Those for spotted flycatchers (right) need to be 2-4m high, sheltered by vegetation but with a clear outlook. Woodpecker boxes need to be 3-5m high on a tree trunk with a clear flight path and away from disturbance.
Fixing your nestbox
Fixing your nestbox with nails may damage the tree. It is better to attach it either with a nylon bolt or with wire around the trunk or branch. Use a piece of hose or section of car tyre around the wire to prevent damage to the tree. Remember that trees grow in girth as well as height, and check the fixing every two or three years.
Two boxes close together may be occupied by the same species if they are at the edge of adjoining territories and there is plenty of natural food. While this readily happens in the countryside, it is rare in gardens, where you normally can only expect one nesting pair of any one species. The exceptions to this are house and tree sparrows and house martins, which are colonial nesters. By putting up different boxes, several species can be attracted.
Nestboxes are best put up during the autumn. Many birds will enter nestboxes during the autumn and winter, looking for a suitable place to roost or perhaps to feed. They often use the same boxes for nesting the following spring. Tits will not seriously investigate nesting sites until February or March.
Simon King gives good advice about nestboxes
Cleaning nestboxes
The nests of most birds harbour fleas and other parasites, which remain to infest young birds that hatch the following year. We recommend that old nests be removed in the autumn, from August onwards once the birds have stopped using the box.
Use boiling water to kill any remaining parasites, and let the box dry out thoroughly before replacing the lid. Insecticides and flea powders must not be used.
Unhatched eggs in the box, can only be removed legally between August and January - and must then be disposed of.
If you place a small handful of clean hay or wood shavings (not straw) in the box once it is thoroughly dry after cleaning, small mammals may hibernate there, or birds may use it as a roost site.
It is quite normal for a few eggs to fail to hatch, or for some young to die. Blue and great tits (right) lay up to 14 eggs to allow for such losses. Cold weather and food shortage may lead to nest desertion, or to only the strongest young surviving. The death of one parent or interference from animals or humans may also cause desertion.
Avoid inspecting nestboxes in use, however tempting it may be to take a peek! Simply watch and enjoy from a distance. Only open it up if you've got appropriate skills and experience and are taking part in a monitoring project, such as the BTO’s Nest Record Scheme If you want to see the chicks as they grow, you could consider installing a nestbox camera before the breeding season starts.
Click here to see a range of nestboxes suitable for all species
Use wood that will not split or disintegrate when wet - exterior quality plywood from a sustainable source, 0.5 to 1 cm thick, is ideal. Any cheap piece of solid timber makes an excellent bird table. There is no maximum size, but don't make the table too small or the birds will squabble and the shyer species will be kept away: 30 x 50 cm is about right. A rim about 1 cm high around the edge will help stop food from being knocked or blown off. Leave gaps at the corners to allow rain to drain away and to make cleaning easy. Before assembly, sand it smooth to remove crevices that can hold dirt and disease. It is best to leave the table untreated. If it must be treated to prolong its life, use a selected water-based preservative such as Fenceguard or Sadolin and make sure that it is dry before use.
A few nails or hooks in the edges of the table will be useful for hanging nut or seed feeders or fat balls.
A roof gives some protection to feeding birds (from rain, snow and hunting sparrowhawks). Some birds may even roost at night on a table with a roof. It also provides a dry place for seed hoppers and nut containers. A roof can, however, deter the shyer and larger species from visiting and, in most cases, an open table is really just as good.
Click here to see a range of bird tables suitable for all species
With what seems like a mind boggling array of feeders and food on the market these days, it's probably a good idea to start with an idea of your location, garden size and probably quite importantly - what you do NOT wish to feed. Many people have squirrels that visit their gardens and large corvids such as Jackdaws. Between them, jackdaws and squirrels will demolish food supplies extremely quickly, so feeders that offer protection are recommended. If you have pigeons and doves present, they do a very good job of clearing ground 'spill' caused by smaller birds as it's important to not encourage rats and other vermin from food waste lying on the ground.
Place the feeder away from a convenient branch that would allow a squirrel to jump to it easily. Seed feeders with a squirrel guard allow small birds access to food but will keep jackdaws and squirrels at bay.
Click here to see a range of feeders suitable for all species
2 x Pressure Treated Wooden Nest Box
Built to last - fully pressure treated and stained wood, so that the bird nest can be used for many years.
1 x Pressure Treated Wooden Nest Box
Henry Bell Elegance Sloping Roof
Henry Bell's Elegance Collection Sloping Roof Nest Box features a 28mm hole to encourage a variety of birds to nest in your garden including tits & sparrows. The nest box complies with expert recommendations and includes a top opening lid, drainage holes and a predator plate. All fixings are finished in silver and the wood is FSC sourced. With a contemporary sloping roof design to fit in any garden this beautiful nest box features a matte grey roof with white frame and a smooth stained wooden front.
Supa Wild Bird Multi-Purpose Nest Box
The Supa Multi-purpose Nest Box (Pack of 1) is suitable for many of the species of wild birds that are likely to nest in your garden. Can be used either in its original form or as an open fronted nesting box by removing the two screws which hold the front panel in place. Small gap in the base so the birds can easily clean the box out. The box should attract birds such as Robins, Pied Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Blue Tits, Nuthatch and Tree Sparrows and many more species. Dimensions: Approx 16.5cm(L) x 18cm(W) x 26cm(H).
Exclusively designed by TV Naturalist Simon King
The brushwood Robin Nester is an original design by TV Naturalist Simon King, who has used his knowledge of birds and robins in particular to create a habitat that is tailored to the nesting habits of the species
Unlike many other bird species, Robins are known to prefer open-fronted nesting spots and can be found building their nests in flowerpots, boxes and kettles!
With this in mind, Simon King and Wildlife World created the brushwood nester to reflect this particular habit and create a beneficial habitat for the species, which doubles up as an attractive feature for gardens.
The brushwood finish allows the nester to be hidden easily amongst foliage, or as an eye-catching focal point in a garden.
Simon King Brushwood Robin Nester
The brushwood Robin nester is an original design By Simon, who has used his knowledge of birds and robins in particular to create a habitat that is tailored to the nesting habits of the species. Unlike many other bird species, robins are known to prefer open fronted nesting spots and can be found building their nests in flowerpots, boxes and kettles! With this in mind, Simon King and wildlife world created the brushwood nester to reflect this particular habit and create a beneficial habitat for the species, which doubles up as an attractive feature for gardens. The brushwood finish allows the nester to be hidden easily amongst foliage, or as an eye-catching focal point in a garden
Gardman Nest Bird Box, Sage Green
Wildlife World CRNB Camera Ready Nest Box
The Camera-ready Nestbox is an attractive, robust starter nestbox suitable for a variety of species including, Tits, Sparrows etc. Manufactured from 20mm thick FSC cedar, or similar, naturally durable timber, the nestbox comes complete with an internal camera clip ready to easily fit an optional Wildlife World Camera Kit or other similar nestbox cameras. The opaque side window allows extra light into the box which increases the performance of cameras. Access is easily gained through the hinged lid and a copper entrance hole protector prevents against damage by squirrels and woodpeckers. The box is suitable for blue tits and coal tits with the hole protector in place. With the hole protector removed, the larger hole allows the box to be used by sparrows, great tits etc.
Tom Chambers Robin Nest Box
Gardman Nest Bird Box
Made from FSC certified Timber
Simon King Curve Cavity Nest Box
Wildlife World N8 Natural Log Robin Nest Box
Wildlife World Blue Tit Nest Box
Green Feathers Wildlife Wi-Fi Bird Box Full HD 1080p
WiFi Bird Box Camera by Green Feathers (3rd Generation). View amazing quality footage of nesting birds, eggs and chicks from anywhere right on your mobile device
RSPB Wooden Apex Classic Wild Garden Bird Box
Vivid Arts D-Letterbox Birdhouse
Peckish Blue Tit Nest Box for Wild Birds
Selections Bird Rooster Pack
(Set of 6)
Windhager Twinhouse Sparrow Nesting Box
Birdboxview Colour cctv camera fitted in nestbox
Enjoy real live nature programmes from your own garden with this WIRED CCTV camera nestbox – watch and listen to garden birds inside their nest. See baby chicks hatch, feed, grow and fledge on your TV screen!
Green Feathers Complete DIY Timber Bird Nest Box with Wireless SD
Complete DIY kit to watch birds hatch & grow right in your garden
CAMERA NEST BOX (Webcam for PC/Laptop) with 21' cable.
CAMERA NEST BOX (Webcam for PC/Laptop) with 21' cable. Great gift for bird lover or family springwatch project!
Window Nest Box
Happy Beaks Sparrow Bird Box Three Hole
Create a paradise for sparrows in you garden with this cedar sparrow bird house. Setting up this bird nest box in your garden will provide our sparrow population with a much-needed house.
Bird boxes are a great place for birds to not only relax in, but most importantly they work as a safe haven for birds to raise their young. Ever expanding industry and a need for more housing and farming land, has meant the removal of trees, which are the natural nesting environment for wild birds. Adding a nesting box will not only benefit our native birds, but will also give you a great opportunity to monitor and enjoy your feathered friends.
Both house and tree sparrows nest in colonies, and a collection of sparrows is actually known as a host! Thanks to the triple design of the box, three pairs of sparrows can nest side by side. The innovative front door hinges allow you to pull the door forward for inspection and easy cleaning. The 19mm and 25mm panels also offer extra strength and insulation. To use this box simply fix to any post or tree that is sheltered from the elements, we recommend fixing it at a height between 1.5 and 5 metres above the ground.
Ernest Charles Sparrow Nest Box
Riverside Woodcraft Sparrow terrace nesting box
Hand made in the UK
Wildlife World CHM Ceramic House Martin Bowl
An superbly attractive house martin nestbox created in natural ceramic. The ceramic House Martin Bowl Comes complete with a pre-drilled FSC timber mounting board, ready to be easily installed by the customer. Fashioned to replicate the shape and form of natural House Martin nests, the installation of these nests will not only provide a ready-made nest site, but will help attract nesting house martins. Siting: Fix under the roof eaves tight to the wall so that the eaves overhang the nest closely. The nest may face any direction, although some authority's suggest a preference for East and North facing walls.
CJ Wildlife House Martin Nest Box
House Martins will happily nest in this authentic replica nest box if sited under the eaves of houses or outbuildings. The nest box measures Height 16.5cm Width 38cm Depth 12cm. Nest diameter 15cm x 2 The image shows both the single and double nest.
Wildlife World CSW Ceramic Swallow Bowl
No Treatments
Swift Box
Hand made in Wales, this swift box is made using locally sourced Larch, making it 100% natural, safe environment for Swifts. Swifts are currently in decline with a drop of 51% between 1995 & 2015 this currently puts them on the amber list for endangered birds. Many researchers think this is partly due to a reduction of safe places for them nest on their return the UK. Modern housing, renovation of old barns and building and our tendency to seal gaps in the eaves mean they are finding fewer suitable places to rear their young. Swifts are amazing birds that like to nest high up, so ideally you'll need to place the box directly under the eaves giving them a safe place to nest for years to come. The box measures approx. 405mm L x 150 mm D x 170 H mm Its made from natural Cedar / larch. All the fixings are stainless steel. We've hopefully made it easy for this to be put up by putting two key hole style cut outs on the back, and the screws to attach it are included. Because all our boxes are hand made from natural products, they do vary slightly in colour, If you want to a photo of the exact box you will receive, just ask. The front is hinged for easy access when cleaning, without having to take the box down. The opening is 28 mm x 65 mm, which is the recommended size for common swifts, with a wedge above to help shelter it from the elements. This sturdy, all natural box will look great for years to come, ensuring returning birds always have a safe place to return to after that long flight from Africa.
Johnston & Jeff Middleton Swift Nest Box
GSWB Swift Nesting Brick Box
Esschert Design NKB2 24 x 15 x 9cm Swallow Nest - Grey
Esschert design, Swallow nest, NKB2, cc, size 24x15x9, grey colour, natural materials, animals, shelves, design, outdoor decoration, practical, equipment for garden, package length 9.00, package width 15.00
1 x Nest box
Gardenature Swift Bird Box with Camera System
Tawny Owl Nest Box
Simply Wood Owl Nest Box
Forest Green 3 Owl Nest Boxes (1x Barn Owl Box, 1 x Tawny Owl Box and 1x Little Owl Nest Box)
Recycled plastic fixing bracket supplied
Barn owl nest box (Golden Brown)
Free Standing Garden Outdoor Bird Feeding Table
Wildlife World Bempton Bird Table
This attractive hanging bird table made from FSC timber, features intricate lattice woodwork in a distressed green finish, and a real verdigris copper roof. Ideal as a small hanging bird table or it can be fixed to the Wildlife World pole system for easy installation. Suitable for a variety of feed types, the Bemptons' attractive appearance will enhance any garden setting. The primary feature of the Bempton is that it provides a safe area for birds to feed. It is designed to prevent feed being taken by larger birds like crows, pigeons, magpies, seagulls etc, and also provides safety from predatory sparrow hawks.
PawHut Deluxe Bird Stand Feeder Table Feeding Station
Honeyfields Wild Bird Wooden Table
Maypole Anti-fungal Heavy Duty Bird Table
garden mile® Traditional Wooden Bird Table
Swing Seat Bird Feeder - Bird Table
Riverside Woodcraft Triple Platform Bird Table
RSPB Wild Bird Gothic Style Garden Bird Table
Fallen Fruits FB406 Ltd METAL WALL FEEDER
Gardman Belton Bird Table
SA Products Hanging Bird Table
Wooden Hexagonal Bird Table with Zinc Roof Pine
National Trust Hanging Bird Feeding Table
UBT - Urban Bird Table
Garden Wooden Tree Hanging Birds Feeder Table
Bird Feeders
Clicking a product below will direct you to Amazon.
"It's up to every single one of us to do our bit for wildlife,
however small our gardens" Alan Titchmarsh
A range of bird feeders from RSPB, Gardman,
Jacobi Jayne, Selections, and others
Wild Bird Square Raised Metal Mesh Garden Bird Feeder Seed Dish
Manufactured from heavy duty steel rims and square section steel legs with fine metal mesh tray.
I Love Robins Pearl Feeder
This pretty little hanging feeder makes a jewel-like focal point for any garden. It's Clear polycarbonate dome protects feeding birds and the tray's contents from rain and snow. Simply slide the dome up or down to your preferred height: lower positions help deter larger birds like pigeons. Perfect for serving up I love robins, seeds or mealworms.
Ring-Pull TO-S3G Large Bird Feeder for Seeds
RSPB 9 inch Hanging Classic Peanut Feeder
RSPB 15 inch Hanging Classic Peanut Feeder
Gardman Wild Bird Heavy Duty Seed Feeder
Hanging Lantern Garden Bird Feeder
Eco Friendly Recycled Plastic Bird Seed Feeder
Jacobi Jayne Medium Big Easy Birdfeeder
Homebird Window Bird Feeder with Strong Suction Cups
Roamwild Beautiful Arch Window Wild Bird Feeder With Huge 2L Capacity
Lou's Nature Store - Window Bird Feeder, Bird Feeding Station
Please note that we receive many hundreds of e-mails weekly. We will try our best to respond to your enquiry as efficiently and quickly as possible. If your enquiry relates to reserve and birding site access, please contact the relevant organisation. Sick, injured or young birds to RSPCA.
Enquiries about the sale of used birding equipment or ornithology books should be sent to the contact below.
Thank you