bird box

Materials

When buying boxes, choose a reputable supplier such as the RSPB. They should be made from insulating material e.g. wood or waterproof wood/concrete compound. Boxes made from cedar/oak/beech last longer than softwoods like pine.

Boxes with a 32mm entrance hole are ideal for small hole-nesting birds such as sparrows and tits.
Choose boxes without perches (which can help predators access the box) and which don’t include a feeding area.
If you want to build them yourself they are also quite simple and cost-effective to make, either from scratch or ready cut kits and could be linked to DT lessons (see useful links for kit suppliers and bird box plans).

Indicative Costs

Good quality bird boxes from reputable suppliers suitable for species likely to be found in school grounds range in price from around £18 to £40.
Making your own could be a more cost effective option.

Method

Can be installed at any time of the year and keeping them up year round gives birds the chance to get used to them. Even when not being used for nesting, they can provide a place to roost or shelter.
Location (on trees or walls) is important and should be safe and the right temperature. Make sure it is between 1m and 5m above the ground (different species prefer different heights). Consider ease of access for installing and cleaning.
To keep boxes at the right temperature, place in a north or east facing position to avoid excessive heat and help keep out the wind. Tilt forward slightly to reduce the rain impact. Choose a spot with a clear flight path to the nest without clutter in front of the entrance.

Benefits

The shortage of nesting sites is partly to blame for the decline of some of the UK’s bird species. Natural nesting sites disappear as gardens are ‘tidied up’ and old trees with nesting holes disappear, and old houses and barns are repaired. Installing bird boxes can help address this problem by providing nesting opportunities for birds in our school grounds. Don’t worry if birds don't move in straight away – it may take a while for birds to find them.

Maintenance

Clean boxes out annually, between 1 September and 31 January, to avoid the nesting bird season.
Occasionally birds may breed particularly early or late in the year, so check before removing nesting material.
Remove old nests to reduce parasites.
Use of a water-based preservatives on the outside of the box every few years (leave the inside bare) can extend the life of a box.

Useful links

Difficulty rating