Make nesting boxes for birds
Expanding urbanisation and the loss of hedges and trees from gardens mean that there are now far fewer natural nesting sites for birds than there once were.
By building and putting up nest boxes in your garden, you can provide birds with a much-needed home to raise their young in.
© Balazs Justin/ Shutterstock
You will need
a frost-safe terracotta pot
a piece of wood (larger than the diameter of your pot)
strong wire
nails
round file
pliers
hammer
hose pipe (optional)
How this can help
With fewer natural nesting sites available, a homemade bird box could provide birds with a safe place to raise their young.
By providing boxes with a range of opening sizes, you'll create potential homes for a variety of species. Larger birds may evict smaller species if they can get in.
Rats and weasels can chew through wooden nest boxes to get to the eggs and chicks inside. But by using a terracotta pot, you should limit their ability to access the nest.
Encouraging birds to visit your garden can be beneficial to your mental health, with some birdsong known to have a therapeutic effect on us.
Further reading
Follow our step-by-step instructions to make a bird box
