National Nestbox Week: Give Garden Birds a Safe Place to Call Home

National Nestbox Week is the perfect reminder that our feathered friends could do with a helping hand. 

Taking place each year in mid-February, it’s timed just right, many birds are beginning to scout out safe nesting spots as the breeding season approaches.

With modern housing, fewer hedgerows and tidier gardens, natural nesting sites are harder to come by. A simple nest box can make a real difference.

What Is National Nestbox Week?

Launched by the British Trust for Ornithology, National Nestbox Week encourages households, schools and communities across the UK to put up nest boxes before spring truly gets going.

The goal is simple:

more nest boxes = more opportunities for birds to breed successfully.

Why Nest Boxes Matter

Many common garden birds—such as blue tits, great tits, robins and sparrows—struggle to find suitable nesting spaces. Old trees with natural cavities are disappearing, and urban gardens don’t always offer the shelter birds need.

A well-placed nest box can:

Protect birds from predators and harsh weather

Improve breeding success

Bring wildlife closer to home (without disturbing it)

Support local biodiversity in a very practical way

Choosing the Right Nest Box

Not all birds like the same type of home, so a little planning helps:

Small hole boxes (25–28mm): Blue tits, coal tits

Larger hole boxes (32mm): Great tits, house sparrows

Open-fronted boxes: Robins, wrens

Wooden boxes are best, as they breathe naturally and keep temperatures stable. Avoid painted or varnished interiors—birds prefer things simple and natural.

Where (and How) to Put It Up

Position boxes 2–4 metres off the ground

Face them north or east, away from strong sun and rain

Keep them clear of feeders to reduce disturbance

Fix them securely to a tree, wall or fence

Once installed, resist the urge to peek—birds value peace and quiet when nesting.

Get the Whole Family Involved

National Nestbox Week is a brilliant excuse to:

Build a nest box together

Track which birds visit your garden

Teach children about wildlife conservation

Add a bit of nature-watching joy to everyday life

Even one box can spark curiosity and a lifelong appreciation of birds.

A Small Act with a Big Impact

You don’t need acres of countryside to help wildlife. A single nest box in a modest garden—or even on a quiet balcony—can offer a safe haven at a critical time of year.

So this National Nestbox Week, grab a box, a ladder and a bit of enthusiasm. 

https://haiths.com/collections/bird-nest-boxes

National Nest Box Week: Homebuilder Re-Tweets Online Quiz

For National Nest Box Week (14th to 21st February), Barratt and David Wilson Homes uis encouraging homeowners and gardeners to flock to its online quiz to test their knowledge on garden birds.

Following the success of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, the five star housebuilder has once again shared its Bird House Quiz for homeowners to learn more about their feathered friends, with RSPB vouchers worth up to £100 to be won.

Garden birds need a safe place to raise their chicks, and the online quiz shows how residents can open their gardens and give them a home for the season. 

Prizes to be won are designed to help homeowners make their own gardens wildlife-friendly and do their bit for nature’s neighbours.

It comes as part of Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ commitment to supporting wildlife on developments and celebrating its national partnership with the RSPB.

Each entrant of the quiz will be able to learn more about a range of birds as they’re asked to match common species to the homes that suit their needs.

National Nest Box Week is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology and aims to encourage more people to help the birds by putting up nest boxes.

To test your knowledge, visit the homebuilders’ Bird House Quiz website and enter the prize draw by Friday 23rd February 2024.

With RSPB vouchers up for grabs for seven winners, homeowners can make their garden inviting for birds, in addition to other wildlife such as hedgehogs, bees and butterflies.

When looking to place a nest box in a garden, it’s important to find a sheltered, shady location, preferably facing north through east to south-east to avoid prevailing winds and strong direct sunlight. Nest boxes also need to be kept out of reach of cats and other predators.

There are many ways that residents in the county can help the birds in their garden, such as providing a regular supply of clean water by using a bird bath, providing nest boxes and putting the right bird seed out including flaked maize, sunflower hearts.

For details about any developments in the area, visit the websites at Barratt Homes or David Wilson Homes. https://www.barratthomes.co.uk https://www.dwh.co.uk

https://birdhousequiz.co.uk

https://www.bto.org

Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Garden: Tips for Attracting Bees and Butterflies

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, creating a serene and eco-friendly space at home has become more important than ever. One way to achieve this is by cultivating a wildlife-friendly garden. 

Not only does this contribute to the overall well-being of the environment, but it also brings a touch of natural beauty to your doorstep. In this blog post, we'll focus on attracting two essential pollinators, bees and butterflies, to your garden. By incorporating these tips, you can foster a thriving ecosystem right in your garden.

Plant a Diverse Range of Flowers:

Bees and butterflies are particularly drawn to vibrant and fragrant flowers. Planting a diverse range of native flowers provides them with a variety of food sources and ensures continuous blooming throughout the seasons. Consider incorporating flowers like lavender, coneflowers, marigolds, and bee balm. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, making them more attractive to local pollinators.

Provide Food and Water:

Create a buffet for your buzzing and fluttering friends by offering a mix of nectar-rich flowers. Additionally, consider planting host plants for caterpillars, as these are essential for the butterfly life cycle. For bees, having a water source is crucial. A shallow dish with rocks for them to land on will suffice, preventing accidental drownings.

Avoid Chemical Pesticides:

Pesticides can be harmful to both pollinators and the environment. Opt for natural alternatives or integrated pest management techniques to control pests without harming the beneficial insects. Embracing a more holistic approach to gardening can create a balanced ecosystem where predators naturally keep pest populations in check.

Create Shelter and Nesting Spaces:

Providing shelter is crucial for bees and butterflies. Incorporate plants with different heights to create layered vegetation, offering hiding spots and potential nesting spaces. Bee-friendly plants such as sunflowers, asters, and roses can provide excellent cover and nesting material. Consider leaving a small area of your garden untamed, as some bee species prefer nesting in the ground.

Embrace Organic Gardening Practices:

Organic gardening practices go hand in hand with creating a wildlife-friendly garden. Utilize compost, organic fertilizers, and natural mulches to enhance soil fertility. Healthy soil supports a robust plant life, which in turn attracts more pollinators.

Educate and Involve the Community:

Share your passion for wildlife-friendly gardening with your community. Hosting workshops or sharing information on social media can inspire others to create their own pollinator-friendly spaces. The more interconnected these habitats become, the more resilient local ecosystems will be.

Transforming your garden into a haven for bees and butterflies is a rewarding and environmentally conscious endeavor. By following these tips, you not only contribute to the well-being of essential pollinators but also create a vibrant and colorful sanctuary at your doorstep. Remember, every small action in your garden can have a big impact on the greater ecosystem. So, grab your gardening tools, plant those flowers, and watch your garden come alive with the delightful presence of bees and butterflies.

(Image courtesy of NoName_13 from Pixabay)