I know February can feel a bit grim. The weather can’t quite make its mind up, the garden looks a little tired, and we’re all still pretending it’s not that long until spring but National Nestbox Week is one of those little reminders that brighter days are coming and that nature is already quietly getting itself organised. Every year, starting on the 14th of February, bird lovers across the UK are encouraged to put up nest boxes and help create safe spaces for birds to raise their chicks.
Spotting birds in the garden makes me happy. There’s something about watching a robin hopping about or a blue tit swinging off a feeder like it’s auditioning for a circus that just makes everything feel a bit better and when you realise they might actually raise a family right there in your garden, it's exciting but as lovely as it is to watch National Nestbox Week isn’t just about cute moments through the kitchen window. According to the RSPB around one in four bird species in the UK are under serious threat. That is not a small number and it means those simple things we do, like putting up a nest box or keeping a feeder topped up aren’t just nice little hobbies, they actually matter!
Why nest boxes matter!
Birds need safe, sheltered spaces to lay their eggs and raise their chicks and in many areas natural nesting sites are disappearing. Old trees with holes are cut down, hedgerows are ripped out and modern gardens often look very neat but don’t offer much cover. Nest boxes provide that safe space. They’re essentially a little home away from home for birds, a place where they can raise their young without the risk of predators or bad weather and it’s not just a handful of species that benefit. From robins, blue tits and great tits to sparrows, wrens and even starlings, many garden birds will happily make a new nest if you provide the right conditions.
You don’t need a huge garden!
One of the best things about National Nestbox Week is how accessible it is. You don’t need acres of land, fancy equipment or expert knowledge. A small garden, a bit of wall, a fence or even a sturdy tree is more than enough to get started. Birds really aren’t that fussy, as long as they feel safe.
How to take part in National Nestbox Week!
Taking part is really simple, you don’t need to be a professional birdwatcher. Here are a few easy ways to get involved:
Put up a nest box - You can buy nest boxes from garden centres, online shops or even supermarkets these days. There are loads of styles, from very basic wooden ones to fancy-looking designs. Birds don’t care how stylish it is, so simple is fine. If you’re handy, making one yourself can be a nice little project too. There are plenty of simple plans online and it doesn’t need to be perfect. A solid box with the right sized entrance hole is what matters. Placement is important though. Try to put the box somewhere quiet, away from busy paths and constant noise. It should be out of direct sunlight and sheltered from strong winds. Around 1.5 to 2 metres off the ground is ideal and helps keep it out of reach of cats and other predators.
Feed your birds - Even before nesting season really kicks off, birds need plenty of energy. Winter takes a lot out of them and breeding season is hard work. Keeping feeders topped up with seeds, nuts or suet makes a big difference. If you’re feeding birds, consistency is key. Once they know your garden is a good food stop, they’ll keep coming back.
Provide fresh water - A birdbath or shallow dish of water is perfect for drinking and bathing. Change the water regularly to keep it clean, especially in freezing weather.
Plant bird-friendly greenery - If you’re thinking longer term, planting shrubs, bushes and trees that birds love is a brilliant move. Dense plants give them shelter, places to hide and somewhere to rest. They also attract insects, which are an essential food source for chicks. You don’t need to overhaul your whole garden. Even one or two bird-friendly plants can make a difference.
Watching and Enjoying the Magic!
Once your nest box is up and your garden feels welcoming, it’s a bit of a waiting game. Birds might take a while to notice the box. They might inspect it, pop in and out and then disappear for a bit. This is all completely normal. It can be tempting to keep checking or peeking inside but it’s best to leave it alone. Too much disturbance can put birds off, especially early on. Trust that they know what they’re doing. If no one moves in this year, don’t be disheartened. Sometimes it takes time. Boxes often get used the following season once birds are familiar with them.
National Nestbox Week is a reminder that nature is right there, even in the middle of everyday life. You don’t need to go anywhere special to make a difference. You can do it from your own back garden and when you know that bird populations are struggling, it feels good to know you’re doing something practical.
Do you get many birds in your garden?
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