At a time when bird habitats are disappearing, it’s more important than ever we create safe homes for the wildlife visiting our gardens. And with breeding season fast approaching, there’s no better time to invest in one or two new nest boxes for your garden.
If you’re to create a safe and comfortable habitat for your visitors, you’ll need to make sure you plump for a high-quality design. So, here are a few of our favourites on the market to get you started.
We've also put together a list of the best bird box cameras to help you stay close to the action.
Best bird nesting boxes
Tom Chambers Snuggler Nest Box For Wild Birds
Tom Chambers sells a range of highly reviewed nest boxes, including a rookery and a birch nester, but we’ve selected the brand’s Snuggler Box for our list. With its 32mm entry hole, it’s designed specifically for a range of different garden birds, including tree sparrows – a species that has dramatically declined in the past 30 years.
This nester is also a high-quality option, as it’s made by hand from FSC-certified wood. Plus, keeping it habitable and hygienic should be easy, thanks to its front panel, which lifts away for simple, hassle-free cleaning.
Looking to enjoy a spot of wildlife watching in your garden? We reviewed the best binoculars for bird watchers.
Fallen Fruits Wooden Acorn Birdhouse
Taking the shape of an acorn, this smart bird box makes a charming addition to any outdoor space. With a diameter of 32mm, it's perfect for nesting nuthatches and house sparrows.
As a sustainable option, the wooden element of this birdhouse is crafted from FSC-approved timber.
Simon King Wildlife World Brushwood Nester
Lightweight and easy to install, this nester is a popular choice. It’s made from steel, rattan and brushwood for an authentic and durable finish. Just use the coiled wire to fix it somewhere safe.
The clever design features a low dividing wall between the nesting area and the more exposed landing platform. A nester like this should attract species like robins, tits, wrens and finches.
As an added bonus, it should blend in nicely with hedges and other foliage in your garden.
National Trust CJ Wildlife Build Your Own Nest Box Kit
Buy now from National Trust (£20.00)
This ‘build-your-own’ kit provides not only a safe haven for garden birds, but also a fun activity for anyone who enjoys a quick craft project. Inside the pack, you’ll find pre-cut wooden sections made from FSC-certified timber, which you connect up with nails and screws to create your very own bird box.
Everything you need is there, including a hanger to secure your nester in place. This model is suitable for smaller birds, such as robins and wrens.
Tawny owl nest box
Buy now from the RSPB (£130.00)
If you live near woodland, consider installing a nest box for large birds. This one is for tawny owls, which need slightly less space than barn owls. As for construction, it’s made from FSC-approved wood and comes complete with a hatch to make cleaning fuss-free.
This bird box also has a long perch for the owls, which you can remove if you prefer.
When putting the owl nester in place, be sure to attach it to a mature tree near woodland or hedges. Ideally, face it east, north-east or south-east to protect the owls from the prevailing wind.
Swift Nesting Box
Buy now from Amazon (£32.99 £29.47)
Swifts spend most of their time up in the skies but they need a safe place to rest every now and then. By putting this special nesting box in a sheltered area, you can support swifts near your home.
The zinc roof gives this nesting box a high-quality finish, which should keep it looking smart in your garden for years to come.
Or, consider making your own?
Find out more in our guide to swifts: where to see and how to help swifts in your garden.
Woodstone Nest Box
Buy now from CJ Wildlife (£24.99)
‘Woodstone’ nest boxes are another fantastic option. As an alternative to traditional wooden structures, they’re made from a tough mix of concrete, clay and sawdust, which will stand up to the toughest weather conditions and predators such as woodpeckers, cats and squirrels. Manufacturers claim that they maintain a more consistent temperature inside, which is a bonus for the survival chances of wildlife.
They also provide a rot-free environment for your garden birds.
Once in place, expect the nest box to attract small garden birds, such as sparrows, nuthatches and pied flycatchers.
For more advice on supporting local wildlife this year, take a look at our run-down of the top DIY bird feeder kits available to buy online.