National Nest Box Week is an annual event that runs from 14th to 21st February, organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Established in 1997, it has become a key event in the ornithological calendar, encouraging people across the UK to put up nest boxes to support breeding birds and promote wildlife conservation.
The event begins on St Valentine’s Day, a fitting choice as it marks the traditional start of the bird breeding season when many species begin pairing up and seeking nesting sites.
Natural nesting sites, such as holes in trees, old buildings, and overgrown hedgerows, are disappearing due to modern home and garden improvements, as well as the “tidying up” of woodlands. To combat this decline, thousands of nature lovers have installed nest boxes in their gardens, creating vital new spaces for birds to breed. Today, it is estimated that there are around six million nest boxes in gardens across the UK, providing shelter for a wide variety of bird species.
You can install a nest box at any time of year, but winter is the best time, as birds begin scouting for nesting sites well before the breeding season starts. However, if you haven’t put one up yet, don’t worry – many birds, including late nesters, will still be searching for suitable sites.
If you’re new to using nest boxes, check out our advice on choosing and siting a nest box to ensure it provides a safe and predator-proof home for birds. You can also find a range of nest boxes to suit different species, garden sizes, and budgets.
Blue tits are the most common garden birds to use nest boxes. They require a simple wooden box with a 25 mm entrance hole for safe and secure nesting.
To attract blackbirds or robins, opt for an open-fronted nest box, as these species prefer a more open space to build their nests.
If you have less common species visiting your garden, consider installing a specialist nest box to support a bird of Conservation Concern, such as the house sparrow.
House sparrows are struggling to find suitable nesting sites, particularly due to changes in modern building design, which limit their access to roof spaces. As they breed in loose colonies, placing several nest boxes a few feet apart can encourage them to settle in your garden. Alternatively, sparrow terraces, also known as sparrow flats, which provide space for several breeding pairs, are an excellent way to support their population.
If you’ve already installed a nest box, National Nest Box Week is a great time to carry out some maintenance. Make sure your box is clean, securely fixed, and ready for new occupants.
As part of the event, the BTO is inviting nature enthusiasts to monitor their nest boxes by taking part in the Nest Box Challenge. Once your nest box is installed, you can report its location and habitat to the BTO and record what species use it, as well as the number of eggs and chicks throughout the breeding season.
Remember, it is illegal to disturb nesting birds, as all wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you’re taking part in nest box monitoring, be sure to observe birds from a respectful distance to avoid any disturbance.
For more details on the Nest Box Challenge and how to get involved, visit the BTO’s official website.
By taking part in National Nest Box Week, you’re helping to protect and support the UK’s breeding bird populations, ensuring they have a safe place to nest for years to come.
