Nest Boxes

Nest Boxes for Every Garden Bird

A nest box is one of the most rewarding things you can add to your garden. Natural nesting sites in the UK are disappearing fast - old trees are felled, ivy is cut back, and older buildings are sealed up - so garden birds are relying on us to fill that gap. Our range of over 100 nest boxes gives every common UK species somewhere safe to raise a family, from blue tits tucked into a compact 28 mm hole box to tawny owls settling into a deep roost box mounted high in a tree. Whether you are new to wildlife gardening or adding to an established setup, you will find the right box here, with expert guidance to make sure birds actually use it.

Which nest box do you need? Match the box to the bird

The single most important factor when choosing a nest box is the entrance hole size. Too large and predators can reach in; too small and your target species cannot get in at all. Below is a practical guide to the most popular UK garden birds and the boxes that suit them best.

• Blue tit, Coal tit, Marsh tit, Willow tit
  Entrance hole: 28 mm
  Box type: Enclosed hole-fronted
  Ideal position: 2–4m high, facing north or east
• Great tit, Nuthatch, Tree sparrow
  Entrance hole: 32 mm
  Box type: Enclosed hole-fronted
  Ideal position: 2–4m high, facing north or east
• House sparrow, Starling
  Entrance hole: 32–45 mm
  Box type: Enclosed or terraced box
  Ideal position: 4–5m high under eaves
• Robin, Wren, Song thrush
  Entrance: Open-fronted
  Box type: Open nest box
  Ideal position: 1–2m high, hidden by vegetation
• Blackbird
  Entrance: Open-fronted (wide)
  Box type: Open ledge box
  Ideal position: 1–2m, sheltered by climbers
• Swift
  Box type: Specialist swift box
  Design: Internal chamber design
  Ideal position: 5m+ high on a north or east-facing wall
• House martin, Swallow
  Entrance: Open cup / specialist
  Box type: Cup nest box
  Ideal position: Under eaves, facing open airspace
• Tawny owl
  Entrance hole: 130 mm+
  Box type: Deep roost box
  Ideal position: 3–5m high in a mature tree, tilted forward
• Pied flycatcher, Redstart
  Entrance hole: 32 mm
  Box type: Enclosed hole-fronted
  Ideal position: Woodland edge, 2–4m high

If you are unsure which birds visit your garden, our online bird guide can help you identify them. Once you know your visitors, choosing the right box becomes straightforward.

Nest box materials explained: wood, birch and WoodStone

Not all nest boxes are built the same, and the material makes a real difference to how long the box lasts and how safe it is for nesting birds. Here is an honest breakdown of each type we stock.

Wooden nest boxes (FSC-certified)

Our wooden nest boxes are made from FSC® 100% certified timber, meaning the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. Extra paint on the roof adds weatherproofing that helps the box last several seasons. Most models open at the front or side for easy annual cleaning, and all are fitted with robust, rust-resistant hangers. These are the most versatile option and suit the widest range of garden settings, from fences and walls to tree trunks and pergola posts.

Birch log nest boxes

Birch log boxes are carved from a single section of natural birch trunk, which means every one is genuinely unique. The texture and appearance of real bark makes them the most natural-looking option available, blending effortlessly into woodland gardens or wildlife corners. Because the log is not hollowed out through a removable panel, these boxes are not designed to open for cleaning in the same way. If low-maintenance aesthetics matter as much as function, birch log boxes are the standout choice.

WoodStone nest boxes

WoodStone is a proprietary blend of wood fibre and concrete. The result is a nest box that lasts at least three times longer than a standard wooden box. It is far more resistant to woodpeckers and other predators trying to enlarge the entrance hole, and maintains more consistent internal temperatures than wood alone. Every WoodStone model comes with a 10-year guarantee, making it the best long-term investment in the range. These boxes are particularly well suited to house martins, swallows, sparrows and species in areas where squirrels or great spotted woodpeckers are common visitors.

Nest boxes for specialist and less common species

Beyond the everyday garden birds, we stock specialist nest boxes for species that need more specific conditions. These are the boxes that can make a difference to UK conservation.

Swift boxes: Swift numbers in the UK have declined by over 50% since the 1990s, largely because the gaps in older buildings they traditionally nest in are being blocked during renovation. A swift nest box, positioned at least 5 metres high on a north or east-facing wall with clear flight access below, gives them an alternative. Swifts are faithful to nesting sites and will return year after year once established.

House martin and swallow cups: These open cup designs mimic the mud nests both species build naturally under eaves. They are available as single or double units and in both plywood and WoodStone, giving options for different budgets and durability needs.

Owl boxes: Tawny owls, barn owls and little owls all have different requirements. Tawny owl boxes work best mounted on a mature tree with a clear flight path; barn owl boxes suit open farmland and should be positioned inside a barn or on a pole in an open field. If you have the right habitat, an owl box is one of the most spectacular additions you can make to any outdoor space.

Pied flycatcher and redstart boxes: Both species are hole-nesters that thrive at woodland edges and in gardens near mature trees. A standard 32mm box suits both, making these easy to cater for if you are in a suitable area.

Woodpecker boxes: Great spotted woodpeckers and green woodpeckers need deep boxes with a large entrance. These are best placed on mature trees, ideally oak or beech, well away from areas of frequent human activity.

Where and how to position your nesting box

A well-chosen nest box in the wrong position will be ignored. Placement matters almost as much as species suitability, and a few simple rules will dramatically improve your chances of success.

• Height: Most hole-fronted boxes for tits and sparrows should be 2 to 4 metres above ground. Open-fronted boxes for robins and wrens can go lower, between 1 and 2 metres, as long as they are well hidden by vegetation. Owl boxes and swift boxes need to be considerably higher, typically 5 metres or more.
• Direction: Face the entrance hole between north and east. This protects the interior from direct midday sun and from the prevailing south-westerly winds and rain that are common across the UK.
• Shelter from predators: Position boxes away from dense shrubs that cats could use as a launchpad, and make sure there is no branch or ledge directly below the entrance that a squirrel or magpie could perch on. A predator guard plate around the entrance hole adds a layer of protection.
• Distance between boxes: If you are putting up multiple boxes of the same type, keep them at least 10 metres apart. Most small garden birds are territorial during breeding season and will not nest close to a rival of the same species. The exception is house sparrows and house martins, which are colonial nesters and actively prefer to nest in clusters.
• Fixing the box securely: Use aluminium nails or galvanised wire loops rather than steel screws, which can rust and damage the tree over time. A slight forward tilt of around 5 degrees helps rainwater run away from the entrance rather than into the box.
• Avoid: Direct sunlight for most of the day, positions close to busy feeding stations, and spots directly under a gutter or overhang that drips water onto the box.

For a more detailed guide, visit our nest box placement guide.

Nest boxes are not just for spring

Many people put up a nest box in March and wonder why no bird has moved in by April. The truth is that birds often need several weeks or even months to investigate a new box before committing to it as a nesting site. Putting your box up in autumn gives resident species like blue tits, great tits and robins the whole winter to explore it, roost in it on cold nights, and decide it is a safe place to raise young come spring.

Outside of breeding season, nest boxes serve a second, equally important purpose: winter roost sites. A single blue tit will regularly return to the same box every night from October through to February, sheltering from frost, wind and predators. On very cold nights, several individuals may huddle together in one box to share warmth. The more nest boxes you have in your garden, the better your resident birds will fare through winter.

The best time to clean out a nest box is September or October, once the last brood of the year has fledged and before birds start using the box for winter roosting. This gives any new occupants a clean, fresh start. For birds that have a second brood late in the season, wait until you are confident the box is empty before opening it.

How to clean and maintain your nest box

Step-by-step cleaning guide

1. Check the box is empty before opening it, ideally in September or October. Disturbing an active nest is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
2. Remove all old nesting material by hand or with a stiff brush. Dispose of it in household waste rather than the garden compost bin, as it may contain parasites.
3. Scrub the inside walls with hot water and a mild, bird-safe disinfectant. Our specialist nest box cleaning liquid is formulated to kill bacteria and parasites without leaving residues that could harm birds.
4. Rinse thoroughly and leave the box open to dry completely before closing it.
5. Check for damage: Look for cracks, loose hinges or a damaged entrance hole. Replace any metal fittings that show rust. If the entrance hole has been enlarged by squirrels or woodpeckers, fit a predator protection plate to restore the correct size.
6. Re-hang the box and leave a small handful of dry moss or wood shavings inside if you like. Some birds will use this as a starting point for their own nest.

Birch log boxes cannot be opened for cleaning in the same way as wooden or WoodStone models. For these, you can flush the interior with hot water and allow to dry completely.

Accessories that make your nest box more effective

• Nest box cameras: A camera fitted inside the box lets you watch the entire nesting cycle in real time without disturbing the birds at all. From the first twigs being carried in to fledglings taking their first flight, a nest box camera turns your garden into a nature documentary. These are one of the most popular wildlife products we stock, and once fitted, it is almost impossible to stop watching.
• Predator protection plates: A metal plate fitted around the entrance hole prevents squirrels and great spotted woodpeckers from enlarging the hole to reach the nest inside. Available in 28 mm and 32 mm sizes to match your box.
• Nesting material holders: Fill one of our nesting material holders with soft fibres, wool or dried moss and hang it near your nest box in early spring. Birds will take material directly from the holder to line their nest, saving them energy during the most demanding period of the year.
• Cleaning liquid: Our specialist cleaning liquid is safe for birds and the environment, and effective against the bacteria and parasites that build up in used nest boxes. One bottle is enough to clean several boxes per season.

Why choose CJ Wildlife for your nest boxes?

There is no shortage of nest boxes on the market, but not all of them are designed with birds in mind. Here is what sets our range apart.

• Species-matched design: Every box in our range has been developed with specific birds in mind. Entrance hole sizes, internal dimensions, floor depth and ventilation are all based on the nesting requirements of the target species, not on what is cheapest to manufacture.
• Sustainable materials: All our wooden nest boxes use FSC® 100% certified timber. Our WoodStone boxes are made from a wood-concrete composite that is both exceptionally durable and environmentally responsible.
• 10-year guarantee on WoodStone: We back our premium WoodStone range with a full decade-long guarantee. That is a genuine statement of confidence in the product, not a marketing line.
• Endorsed by wildlife charities: Many products in our range carry the endorsement of leading European wildlife organisations, including the National Trust partnership range. These are boxes that have been independently reviewed for quality and bird suitability.
• Expert support: Our team of wildlife experts is available to help you choose the right box for your garden and your birds. If you are not sure what you need, our bird species guides are a good starting point.

Adding a nest box to your garden is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do for UK wildlife. Natural nesting sites are scarce, competition for space is fierce, and even a single well-placed box can make the difference between a pair of blue tits successfully raising a brood and failing to find a suitable site at all. If you want to attract even more birds to your garden, explore our range of bird food and bird feeders to complement your new nest box. The birds will do the rest.