Nest Box Guide

How to locate your nest box?

As the cooler nights begin to creep in, there’s nothing better than a cosy home for your wild birds. It’s important not only to choose the right home for your wild birds, but it's just as crucial that you place them in a safe and comfortable environment within your garden.

1.) The entrance to the house should face away from the harsh elements and allow rain to run off
2.) If there is no protection from surrounding trees to provide shelter or shade, then mount the front south-east
3.) Angle the entrance downwards slightly to prevent water dripping into the entrance
4.) The area in which you mount your nesting box should be away from bustling bird feeders to avoid unwanted disturbances
5.) Mount securely at least 6ft off the ground away from predators and people
6.) If you are fixing the nest box to a tree, we recommend using coated wire or strong leather strapping to avoid damage to the tree
7.) If you are using nails to secure your new nest box then opt for aluminium as this causing less damage to the tree as it grows

Cleaning your nest box

Between August and January each year The Wildlife Countryside Act allows you to legally clear out your nest box to reduce the risk of disturbing brooding birds. We recommend leaving this a little longer in case of a late brood. Below is our advice on the do's and dont's of clearing out your nest boxes.

1.) Some species have more than one brood in a year, so be aware that even though it seems like all fledglings have left the box, there may be another clutch of eggs waiting to hatch. We recommend leaving the nest for another 3-4 weeks to be sure
2.) From the beginning of Autumn you can begin to clear out old nesting material, egg shells and dead chicks
3.) It is important that you leave any un-hatched eggs until September through to January, once removed these must be destroyed – it is illegal to keep un-hatched wild bird eggs
4.) Once all material has been safely removed and destroyed, thoroughly wash the box in boiling water or a safe disinfectant and use a Stainless Steel Scraper to ensure you get all muck and grim inside and out. This will reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases and parasitic organisms
5.) Be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial hand wash after as your safety is paramount
6.) If you don’t get a chance to clear out your nest boxes in autumn, then we suggest the nest best time is during January
7.) Enjoy watching birds use your nest boxes year after year!