National Nest Box Week
TODAY marks the beginning of National Nest Box Week (14th – 21st February). This event aims to
encourage everyone – no matter the type of outdoor space you have – to provide homes for birds
this nesting season
Choosing a nest box:
Nest boxes, or bird boxes, can be either accessed by a small round hole or they can be open-
fronted.
Blue tits, great tits and house sparrows tend to prefer nest boxes which are accessible through a
hole. However, the size of hole will suit some species better than others. Nest boxes with a hole of
25mm or 28mm diameter are suitable for coal tits and blue tits while a larger diameter of 32mm
would better suit house sparrows, great tits and nuthatches (above). Open-front nest boxes are
favoured by birds such as robins, wrens, blackbirds and wagtails.
If you have a nest box with an entrance hole, rather than an open-front nest box, a metal protective
plate can prevent predation from squirrels and magpies.
Nest boxes can be relatively easy – and rewarding – to build. Follow our step-by-step guide
at https://www.durhamwt.com/actions/how-build-bird-box to create your own nest box.
Alternatively, Durham Wildlife Trust sells a range of nest boxes which can be viewed at visitor
centres, Rainton Meadows and Low Barns or ordered online at Bird Boxes & Animal Homes
(durhamwt.com) .
