It's National Nest Box Week, and it marks the beginning of our favourite time of year...Nesting Season!
Coinciding with Valentine's Day, National Nest Box Week runs from 14th - 21st February and marks the beginning of the mating season for birds. To give them the best chance in upping their population, we ask members of the public to set up nesting boxes in their gardens.
Why are nesting boxes important?
The natural nesting holes nature once had an abundance to offer to our feathered friends is declining fast. Our parks, playgrounds and gardens, are designed to look neater, our woodland areas have fewer trees, and we have a high volume of newly built houses that lack handy nooks and crannies that birds use to nest in. Unfortunately, all these factors combined have contributed to a decrease in the population of many bird species.
Fortunately, it’s not too late to change course and save our birds, and you can play a crucial part in their survival. By placing a nest box in your garden, you have provided the perfect safe place for our birds to raise the next generation. This could also be the start of a great daily activity as ‘Bird Watching’ comes under one of the UK's top hobbies.
So, to get you started, we have put together a list of our top 10 nesting boxes we think would be perfect for your garden.
Giant Robin Nest Pocket
The robin is Britain’s most loved bird, so why wouldn't we start the top 10 with a home for our little red friend. This pocket is perfect for any small garden bird looking for a place to roost or nest. It has a large entrance hole and even comes equipped with a rattan doorstep that acts as a landing platform. There is no need for screws as the nest can be hung from any suitable foliage or tree, and its natural design can integrate well into any garden.
The Official™ Cedar Sparrow House
Did you know that between 1970 and 2008, the UK tree sparrow population suffered a severe decline of around 93%? Today, it is estimated that there are only 200,000 breeding pairs left. So, if you want to help increase the population of tree sparrows, this is the nesting box for you.
The Official Cedar Sparrow House gives our sparrow population the much-needed help with its sturdy build. Both house and tree sparrows like to be sociable and prefer to nest in colonies. This Triple Sparrow House can provide cosy accommodation for three pairs nesting side by side.
Simon King Predator Resistant Nest Box
If your garden gets regular visits from a cat or woodpecker, this Predator Resistant Nest Box may be exactly what you need to provide your birds with a safe environment. It is built to have a super solid exterior and an extra deep interior for additional protection from claws, teeth and other sharp objects. The small hole will only allow the nesting of small bird species up to the size of great tits.
Giant Roost Nest Pocket
With the harsh weather contributing to the decline in the bird population, this cosy roosting space protects small birds from the prevailing wind. Similar to the Giant Robin Nest Pocket, this also has a sturdy inner frame to support the brushwood covering. Its little porch plays a handy role in blocking rain from the entrance hole. Due to its size, this pocket can also attract small birds in the springtime for nesting.
The Official™ Wooden Robin Nest Box.
Though this nest box may be designed for robins, it is also suitable to home wrens, pied wagtail and spotted flycatchers. The front door hinges forward to allow easy access for cleaning and inspection. Thanks to the 19mm thick panels, this gives extra strength and insulation, which provides a safe space for birds to rest and nest. If you have a tree or post that is sheltered away from the elements, this will be the perfect place for the nest box.
Simon King Curve, Cavity Nest Box
This Cavity Nest Box made our top 10 due to its unique entrance hole design that looks like the natural hollow of a tree. Small bird species such as sparrows, flycatchers, and most tits will happily nest in your garden with this box. It has a robust FSC timber construction for durability and a side panel that can be opened for easy cleaning.
Tahera Artisan Bird Nester
Bring a pop of colour to your garden with this teardrop-shaped Artisan Bird Nester. This fair-trade nester is built to have a smaller cavity for birds who prefer to roost alone. Its cosy inside creates a safe place for roosting during harsh winter months. Small birds may also use this for nesting, thanks to its sturdy inner frame for support.
Brushwood Tree Nest Pouch
This natural brushwood look will blend well into your garden as it can be fixed to a tree trunk or foliage using the twine provided. A waterproof membrane is built into the roof for essential protection from the rain. On the bottom, you'll find a nifty cleaning hatch. This pouch can home various birds and even mammal species, including wrens and treecreepers, robin, goldcrest, wagtail, dormouse and wood mouse.
Simon King Wooden Robin Nestbox
Robins favour an open-fronted nester with just enough cover to protect them from rough weather or the prying eyes of predators. This nest box provides a fully open doorway with a side entry nest area which is all undercover thanks to its green painted roof.
Dimensions: H170mm x W310mm x D165mm
The Official™ Cedar Nest Box
Similar to The Official™ Cedar Sparrow House, this comes as a singular nest box made of the same long-lasting cedar sourced from Canadian forests; this box needs no paint, varnish or preservative and will keep its look for years. The nest box comes in two hole sizes: 26mm and 32mm, which means it can provide a safe haven for smaller and larger birds to raise their young.