National Nest Box Week: Why the RSPB Says Some Nest Boxes Could Put Young Birds in Danger

Last week was National Nest Box Week, and wildlife charities encouraged people across Britain to put up a nest box in time for the arrival of spring. However, now the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are warning the public that decorative bird boxes could actually be a danger to the creatures we’re trying to give a home. With World Wildlife Day coming up, we got in touch to find out what the problem is and what gardeners can do to help our local birds.

Eleanor Bentall / RSPB

Bird boxes are a great way to provide homes for our favourite garden visitors, but the RSPB and BTO are warning that some attractive nest box designs are not safe of effective for nesting birds.

Carl Barimore, Nest Records Organiser at the BTO, said: 

“National Nest Box Week is about providing suitable nest sites for birds in our gardens and green spaces. This means taking simple precautions to make sure nest boxes are built correctly and put up in the right places so they are safe for their occupants.”

The BTO and RSPB advise that your nesting box should be made of wood, have a pointed roof and a hole too small for predators such as rats to enter. Other materials could pose a problem for infant birds; boxes manufactured from ceramics are too cold and boxes made of metal get too hot when the sun hits them. They are also smooth on the inside, making it difficult for fledgling birds to get out.

Mark Thomas / RSPB

Ben Andrew, RSPB Wildlife Advisor, said: 

“It’s crucial that people put up nest boxes to help our garden birds, especially those in decline like house sparrows and starlings. Rather than choosing unusual designs and materials, people should stick to traditional, wooden nest boxes; they really are the best and often the most cost effective.  

“It’s also really important to make sure boxes are sited in the correct place. This depends on the species the box is intended for but there’s lots of information on our website. People tend to forget that a nest box will eventually contain tiny helpless, vulnerable baby birds so the appearance of the box should be the last thing on your mind.”

Find out more:

For more information about nest boxes and tips and advice on how you can be a friend to nature, visit the RSPB website or go to BTO.org. The RSPB sells a range of bird-friendly nest boxes on their online shop.

At Knights Paving & Landscaping, we understand the importance of gardens to wildlife. We offer a full garden landscaping service, so if you want to discuss your ideas for a wildlife-friendly garden, talk to one of our experts by calling 01603 360548.

Knights Paving & Landscaping would like to thank the RSPB and the BTO for their time and advice.