National Nest Box Week, Feb 14th to 21st Feb, is an annual celebration that reminds and encourages gardeners to do what they can to help local birds, anything from installing nest boxes, providing materials for nest building, and leaving out food and water will make a huge impact on local bird populations.

At Root One we aim to encourage our customers to give a helping hand to all the beneficial garden visitors such as birds, hedgehogs, and insects by offering an extensive and thoughtful range of bird and wildlife care products. In honour of Nestbox Week, below we’ve shared some tips on how you can contribute to the well-being of birds in Spring!

Happy birdwatching!

Install Nestboxes

One of the best ways to support nesting birds is by providing them with suitable housing, nest boxes not only look lovely in the garden but also contribute to the conservation of bird species by providing them with a safe place during the breeding season. Nestboxes can attract a variety of species, from blue tits to robins, make sure to place them in quiet, secluded spots away from predators and somewhere where they won’t be disturbed by human activity.

Installing a nestbox could not be easier, firstly choose the right location, ideally away from direct sunlight and prevailing winds, ensure its easily accessible to birds and away from potential predators such as cats.

The height at which you install the nest box will depend on the species you are trying to attract however its generally advisable to mount the box 5-15 feet above the ground. 

You can mount nestboxes to tree trunks, walls, or stable posts, securing with screws or brackets will ensure it won’t sway or fall in strong winds. Remember to clean out any old nesting material between seasons and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.

Provide Nesting Materials

To encourage birds to nest in your newly installed nestboxes, leaves out materials such as twigs, grass, feathers, and straw for the birds to build their nest with. Even pet fur can be a valuable resource for birds as they construct their homes so after you’ve brushed the dog leave the fur from the brush in the garden somewhere they can safely find.

Plant Native Trees and Shrubs

Native trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for birds throughout the year. Consider planting species like elderberry, hawthorn, or rowan, which offer berries and seeds over the autumn, winter period, and attract the insects that birds rely on for sustenance during the spring, summer season.

Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat

Make your garden a sanctuary for birds by adding the elements that draw them in, such as bird baths for drinking and bathing, feeders filled with seeds, nuts, and suet, nestboxes to lay their eggs in and wildflowers to attract the insects they feed on.

To reduce disease, remember to clean out feeders regularly and ensure a steady food supply throughout the year particularly during colder months when natural food sources may be scarce.

Encourage biodiversity in your garden by allowing areas of your garden to grow wild, this will help provide cover for birds and other wildlife. Put the fallen leaves and logs in your garden to good use by creating hiding spots for insects and small mammals, this will in turn attract birds

Minimise Chemical Use

Pesticides and herbicides can be harmful to birds, as well as other wildlife. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and opting for more organic gardening methods wherever possible will not only positively impact soil health but also help maintain the insects that birds rely on for food. In turn the birds will act as natural predators for insects and other pests to help control insect populations naturally, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re looking for advice on something we’ve not mentioned above, our friendly staff are always on hand to help.