Winter can be a dark and gloomy time of year, with the dark days and chilly weather chasing most wildlife into either hibernation or migration. As we push into February the days are slowly growing longer and the sounds of bird songs are in the air, which can only mean one thing – spring will be on its way soon, and it’s almost time for National Nest Box Week!
National Nest Box Week is a great opportunity to put some time aside and take part in fun activities designed to help support your local wildlife. If you’ve never participated in National Nest Box Week before and are looking for some more information, you’re in the right place!
What is National Nest Box Week?
Every year beginning on February 14th, National Nest Box Week begins.
National Nest Box Week commences every year on Valentine’s Day as this holiday of love also coincides with the breeding season for birds. As wild birds are preparing for spring, National Nest Box Week encourages members of the public to set up nest boxes.
Why Is National Nest Box Week Important?
With the decline in green spaces across the country and cultivation of existing green spaces being designed with fewer spaces for birds to nest naturally, the lack of organic nesting spaces has led to the decline in population of some bird species.
By creating more nesting spaces through initiatives like National Nest Box Week, we can provide wild birds with more spaces to nest and support their population numbers.
How Can I Get Involved?
If you’re interested in getting involved in National Nest Box Week, the best step you can take is to put up a nest box. There are a wide variety of different styles of nest box suited to different birds.
Nest boxes can be utilised by a wide variety of different wild birds, including many varieties of the tit family, sparrows, woodpeckers, and starlings. These are just a few of the birds that might visit your nest box; not only are nest boxes a great way to support your local ecosystem, they’re also a great way for avid bird watchers to encourage wild birds to visit their garden!
Browse Nesting Boxes
Roosting pockets are pretty similar to nest boxes in that they serve the same purpose – supplying shelter for birds. Roosting pockets are particularly well suited for colder temperatures, and are designed to be cosy and safe from both cold weather and predators.
Tall Roosting Nest Pocket
This Cedar Nest Box is perfect for providing young bird families with a safe space to hatch and rear their young. Available with different sized holes suited to various birds, the side hinged inspection panel makes it easy to repair damage and do any cleaning that needs to take place in-between visitors.
Cedar Nest Box
If you’re looking to get a bit more ‘hands on’ this National Nest Box Week, why not have a go at our ‘Build Your Own Nest Box’? This nifty little kit comes with everything you need to build your own nest box. The hole is perfect for encouraging tits, flycatchers, and sparrows to come and nest.
National Trust Build Your Own Nest Box
These are just a few of the many nesting boxes available for sale from Really Wild Bird Food. If you’d like to browse the full collection of nesting boxes, check out the link below!
Browse Bird Nesting Boxes
When it comes to installing your nest box, we’d recommend that you install it in a sheltered position out of direct sunlight and protected from predators and the elements. We’d also suggest that the entrance hole be positioned at least 1.5 metres from the ground.
To maintain your nest box, it should be cleaned before every breeding season to ensure that the new family have a clean and safe space to breed.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help support your local wildlife this breeding season, feel free to reach out and contact Really Wild Bird Food today. One of our professional team members will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
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READ MORE: Make Your Garden Bird-Friendly for the Spring
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