Reading Time: 10 minutes
February 14th is just a few short days away and that can only mean one thing! No, we’re not talking about Valentine’s Day… we’re talking about National Nestbox Week, of course! What else?
The aim of this wonderful awareness campaign, which has been running since 1997, is to put the spotlight firmly on breeding birds, encouraging us all to set up nestboxes in our gardens and other outdoor spaces to help support local wildlife and give our feathered friends a chance to thrive.
How do nestboxes help birds?
Birds are facing all sorts of threats here in the UK (and, indeed, around the world) and many species are now in decline, with the British Trust for Ornithology Red List showing that there are now 70 at-risk species in the country, up from the 36 registered on the very first Red List published in 1996.
Changes in habitats are one of the main reasons why birds are struggling to shack up and start a family, with gardens, parks and woodlands now a lot tidier than they used to be, which makes it significantly harder for birds to find suitable places to nest.
But it doesn’t have to be this way and you can help show the birds some love this year by installing a nestbox or two, alongside lots of food sources and some shallow water. Before you know it, your garden will be full of beautiful birds, everything from blue tits and house sparrows to nuthatches and redstarts.
Wooden nestboxes are a brilliant choice, with good types of timber including cedar, beech or oak, which will last a lot longer and withstand inclement weather better than other options, such as pine.
We have a range of different boxes here at Johnston & Jeff, in a variety of styles so you can choose which one works best with your garden designs. They’re made from oak, redwood and larch for excellent insulation and protection, with a non-toxic water-based stain used to ensure longevity.
One top tip when choosing your nestbox is to avoid those that come with a bird table attached. This might seem like a good idea but it encourages other wildlife like rats and squirrels, so your birds might find themselves too busy fighting off unwanted guests to look after their little ones.
When should I set my nestbox up?
There’s a reason why National Nestbox Week starts on February 14th… there’s a Medieval legend that says birds start choosing their mates from mid-February onwards and, in fact, this is why people celebrate romantic love on this day. We owe it all to the birds!
However, you can put your nestboxes up whenever you want and if you do it in autumn or winter you’re providing birds with another safe option for roosting, giving them support throughout the year, which they’ll certainly thank you for.
As for location, make sure you pick a sheltered spot with sufficient space around it to prevent aggressive behaviour between birds. Angle the boxes either vertically or with a slight downward slant to stop rain from getting in.
If you’d like any further help or advice, get in touch with the Johnston & Jeff team today!
