National Nest Box Week: Giving Birds Safe Homes

Join the movement each February to provide vital nesting homes and habitat for declining bird populations.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 27, 2025

Join the movement each February to provide vital nesting homes and habitat for declining bird populations.

Each February, bird enthusiasts, conservationists, schools, and families across the UK and beyond celebrate National Nest Box Week. Marked from February 14th to 21st, this inspiring initiative calls on individuals to provide much-needed nesting sites for wild birds by installing nest boxes in gardens, parks, and public spaces. Facing significant habitat loss due to urbanization and changes in land use, many bird species now depend on human intervention for safe homes to raise their young. National Nest Box Week is not only a conservation effort—it’s a celebration of our ongoing relationship with nature and an invitation for everyone to take direct action for wildlife.

Why Do Birds Need Our Help?

Changes in landscape, urban expansion, and declining natural habitats have made it increasingly difficult for cavity-nesting birds to find suitable sites for reproduction. Many older trees with natural holes are removed for safety, and modern buildings lack the nooks, cracks, or eaves where birds like sparrows, tits, and swifts once nested. As a result, the populations of several common and once-abundant bird species have suffered dramatic declines.

Urbanization and intensive agriculture reduce nesting options for birds.
Loss of mature trees and traditional building methods mean fewer natural cavities.
Offering nest boxes compensates for the loss of natural nesting sites.
Ensuring safe breeding sites helps maintain healthy bird populations.

The History and Origins of National Nest Box Week

National Nest Box Week has its roots in the dedicated work of British ornithologists. In 1997, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and bird care specialists Jacobi Jayne & Co. launched the campaign, motivated by the urgent need to reverse declining bird numbers. However, interest in providing artificial nesting sites for birds dates back even further. Renowned conservationist Edward Max Nicholson first brought together experts at the Natural History Museum in London in 1932, paving the way for the formal establishment of the BTO in 1933. The organization’s research into bird migration and population trends has informed national conservation priorities ever since.

Since its launch, National Nest Box Week has grown into an annual tradition, inspiring countless people not only to install nest boxes but also to consider wider actions for bird protection. The week coincides with the natural breeding season of many UK bird species, making it the perfect time to install or clean out nests before new occupants arrive.

Why Participate in National Nest Box Week?

Enhancing Local Biodiversity: Providing nest boxes supports a greater diversity of bird species, contributing to healthier, more resilient local ecosystems.
Educational Opportunities: Schools and families can use nest box projects to teach children about animal behaviour, ecology, and the importance of conservation.
Personal Enjoyment: Watching birds raise their chicks just feet from your home connects you to seasonal rhythms and wildlife wonders.
Boosting Bird Populations: Simple actions at home, such as installing a nesting box, can play a pivotal role in supporting populations of birds under pressure.

How to Get Involved: Practical Steps

Install a nest box: Purchase or build a nest box and place it in your garden, woodland, or an open green space. Ensure it’s securely fixed and protected from predators.
Choose the right design: Select a nest box type suited to the species you wish to attract. For example, blue tits and great tits prefer small, round entrances, while robins and blackbirds need open-fronted designs.
Join a community project: Many conservation organisations and local groups host events or provide free advice during the week. Look out for workshops or nest box building days.
Encourage friends and neighbours: Spread the word on social media, in your local community, or through your school—every garden counts!
Maintain your nest boxes: Clean old nests out in autumn and repair any damage before spring to make your nest boxes as welcoming as possible.

Best Practices for Installing Nest Boxes

To maximize the chances that birds will use your nest box, be mindful of proper placement, maintenance, and safety. Follow the steps below:

Place boxes at least 2-4 metres above the ground, facing away from prevailing winds (usually east or north).
Fix them securely to avoid swaying, but ensure there’s no risk of water ingress.
Avoid full sun or deep shade—dappled light is best.
Keep boxes away from feeders to reduce disturbance and predation risk.
Install predator baffles or metal edging around entrance holes to deter squirrels and woodpeckers.

Regularly check your nest box outside the breeding season to remove old nests, as fresh, clean boxes are more attractive to new occupants.

Popular Birds Benefiting From Nest Boxes

Many familiar birds will readily use artificial nest sites, but each has particular preferences.

Species	Preferred Nest Box Type	Ideal Location
Blue Tit	Small, round entrance (28mm)	High on wall/tree, sheltered
Great Tit	Medium entrance (32mm)	Tree trunk or post
House Sparrow	Small entrance, colony boxes	Under eaves, grouped
Robin	Open-fronted	Low, dense shrubbery
Blackbird	Open-fronted	Among climbing plants
Swift	Specialist boxes in high places	On tall buildings

Robins are attracted to open-fronted boxes nestled among shrubs.
Blue tits and great tits will use boxes with round entrance holes hung high to mimic tree cavities.
Blackbirds prefer open-fronted boxes hidden amidst vegetation.
Sparrows love colony nest boxes mounted under the eaves of houses.
Swifts require specialized, high-mounted sites due to their unique nesting habits.

Building or Buying the Right Nest Box

Whether you purchase a ready-made nest box or construct one yourself, the critical factor is following simple, bird-friendly guidelines:

Use untreated wood at least 15mm thick for insulation and durability.
Avoid preservatives or paints inside the box—birds are sensitive to chemicals.
Include ventilation holes and a drainage slot to prevent dampness.
Ensure an overhanging roof to keep rain out and a removable panel for cleaning.
Entrance hole size matters—match to your target species (e.g., 28mm for blue tits, 32mm for great tits and sparrows).

Many conservation retailers offer high-quality nest boxes, with discounts or free extras for National Nest Box Week. Some shops even provide added nesting material, such as natural sheep’s wool, which birds collect themselves to build a cozy home.

Supporting Bird Conservation Beyond Nest Boxes

Plant native shrubs, trees, and flowers to provide food and additional shelter for birds.
Keep your garden or balcony bird-friendly by offering fresh, clean water throughout the year.
Support local and national bird conservation organizations:
- Donate or volunteer during National Nest Box Week.
- Participate in citizen science projects such as bird counts or nest monitoring programs.
- Share your experiences and raise awareness through social media or community events.

FAQs About National Nest Box Week

What is National Nest Box Week?

An annual event from February 14–21 designed to encourage people to provide nesting sites for birds and raise awareness about the significance of nest boxes in conserving bird populations.

Which types of birds use nest boxes?

Species such as blue tits, great tits, house sparrows, robins, blackbirds, and swifts commonly use nest boxes if sited and constructed appropriately.

When should I put up a nest box?

Ideally before the breeding season starts in early spring (February is perfect). However, boxes installed at any time may be used for roosting or by late-breeding species.

How do I clean a nest box?

In late autumn, after breeding is finished, remove old nesting material with gloves and warm water (no chemicals). Allow to dry before sealing for winter to prevent mould and parasites.

Can I monitor nest boxes?

Observing from a distance is encouraged, but avoid disturbance. Many conservation programs offer guidelines for responsible monitoring and citizen science participation.

Ways Everyone Can Make a Difference

Install more than one nest box to support a greater variety of species—just maintain appropriate spacing to reduce competition.
Combine nest boxes with feeders and wildlife planting for a truly bird-friendly garden.
Encourage your workplace, school, or community group to participate—biodiversity benefits everyone.
Take and share photos of visiting birds, inspiring others to join in conservation efforts.
Stay engaged year-round—bird conservation doesn’t end with the breeding season!

Nest Box Week Dates: Plan Ahead

Year	Date	Days
2025	February 14–21	Friday–Friday
2026	February 14–21	Saturday–Saturday
2027	February 14–21	Sunday–Sunday
2028	February 14–21	Monday–Monday
2029	February 14–21	Wednesday–Wednesday

Inspiring a Nation: Join the Movement

National Nest Box Week is a reminder that every action, no matter how small, can help secure the future for declining bird species. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife gardener or a curious beginner, placing a nest box is a simple, meaningful act that connects you to nature and supports local biodiversity. This February and beyond, be part of a growing tradition—give birds the safe, welcoming home they urgently need.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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