Our Bird Boxes

Example bird box

When you make a financial contribution to one of our supported wildlife projects, you receive an equivalent amount in credits which you can use to get discounts from participating shops and businesses.

On top of that if you contribute £10 or more you can claim a bird box as a free gift.

Our bird boxes are all hand made in Aberystwyth by the Treegeneration team. They have a 32mm entrance and are designed to accommodate smaller species of birds that nest in holes, including a variety of tits, house sparrow, nuthatch, and pied flycatcher.

We are not able to deliver the boxes but if you claim one you can collect it from Eco Hub Aber in Aberystwyth town centre - we will provide you with details on doing this in your confirmation email, after you have made a contribution.

You can use the box as it is since it is made from external grade plywood, which has been treated with a water based wood preservative. If you have kids (or are feeling creative) you can decorate the box to give it a personal touch. Think about pattern and colour and create something really unique. Remember to use non-toxic water-based paints though! There's a handy guide to painting nest boxes here.  We suggest that you don't use too bright a colour, as many birds don't like to draw the attention of predators to their nest.

Don’t worry if birds don't move in right away – it may take a while for a family to take residence. But you'll be ready when they do! Hopefully, before long, you’ll notice some activity – such as males chirping nearby, or even from the box itself.
 

Siting the Nest Box

There are two mounting holes in the top corners of the nest box. The box can be fitted using screws or nails through these holes, or by passing string, twine or wire through one hole, and back through the other, and then round a tree or pole.

The box can be mounted onto a tree, pole, wall or fence, and we recommend siting it at least 2m high. It is best to fit it so that it is not facing the prevailing wind (usually from the West in Aberystwyth), to avoid driving rain coming in through the entrance hole. It is also better to locate the box so that it is sheltered from direct sunlight, so the occupants do not get too hot. To keep the inside dry, mount the box upright, or sloping slightly downward.

It is good to ensure a clear area in front of the box, so that the nesting birds have an easily visible flight path in or out, and to make it more difficult for any predators to get at the box. It is not a good idea to put nest boxes up near a feeding station, as nesting birds prefer it quieter.
 

Installing the box

If you need to climb a ladder to install you box, please remember that working at heights can be dangerous, and have regard for your personal safety and the safety of those around you!
 

Maintenance of the box

Our nest boxes are constructed from FSC approved 18mm exterior grade hardwood plywood. Although they are treated with water based wood preservative, we would also recommend that you renew this every few years. When adding wood preservative pay particular attention to the ends, which are the parts of the board that is most susceptible to moisture penetration.

We suggest that you take down the nest box annually, and any nesting debris removed and composted. To reduce the chance of parasites remaining, the box could be washed out with boiling water. The best time to do this is after nesting has finished, between November and January.

With a little maintenance your box should last years.

Please remember that boiling water and dusty debris are potentially hazardous so please take care of your personal safety when doing this!