Birdies, it's breeding time

It's that time again: we are celebrating Nest Box Week from 14 February to 21 February 2024. Nest boxes fulfil two valuable roles: shortly before the start of spring, they help birds to prepare for the breeding season, as wild birds slowly start looking for suitable breeding sites. In winter, artificial nesting aids offer protection from the wind and weather, making them ideal places to spend the winter.

The increasing changes in natural habitats pose a serious challenge for birds: suitable breeding sites are becoming increasingly rare. We offer the decisive solution: nest boxes. The artificial nesting aids provide wild birds in our environment with a stable base for the breeding season.

 

Save up to 25% during Nest Box Season

Living space is becoming more expensive but not for our feathered friends! 

Secure discounts of up to 25% now available from 14 February to 14 March 2024 and support your garden birds during the breeding season and provide suitable nesting sites...

 

The return of migratory birds opens the breeding season

With the onset of spring, many bird species set off for their breeding grounds. Migratory birds that have travelled to warmer regions during the winter months return home with the arrival of spring. The return of the migratory birds therefore heralds the start of the breeding season. Nesting boxes not only provide birds with a safe place to breed but also protect them from natural enemies. The increased survival rate of young birds helps to stabilise the populations and maintain them in the long term. By hanging up nesting boxes during this time, we not only help birds to secure their brood but also play a part in promoting the continued existence of their species. By making a conscious commitment to the needs of the bird species in our neighbourhood, we contribute to a successful breeding season for our feathered friends. Create habitats with optimal conditions for your garden birds and the rearing of their young by putting up nesting boxes now!

Woodstone

Benefits of WoodStone®

Nest boxes are mostly made of stone, wood or WoodStone®. However, Woodstone® takes the lead for us, and here is why. WoodStone® nest boxes are known for their longevity and quality. The breathable material prevents condensation and ensures that a constant internal temperature is maintained. A WoodStone® nest box is weather-resistant and offers protection from wind and rain.

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WHY IS THE NATURAL NUMBER OF NESTING SITES DECREASING?

Most animals are struggling to find suitable places to stay, as natural nesting sites are becoming rare. Birds living in or around cities like to nest in holes or crevices in house façades. As these are increasingly being plastered over during restorations, birds are finding fewer places to nest. Replacing old roof tiles also obstructs nesting holes, and these are missing from newer roofs.

There has been a decrease in old tree populations, which provide ideal habitable cavities. All of these nesting possibilities are becoming fewer and fewer, and in the majority of cases, humans are responsible for this. Therefore, our birds rely heavily on artificial nests, such as the ones we provide.

When to hang nest boxes

When should I hang a Nest Box?

The ideal time to hang nest boxes is autumn, as they provide excellent winter homes. Anyone who has missed this time of year can still get involved though, because nesting sites are also needed at the start of the breeding season in spring. Due to the decrease in natural breeding sites, artificial nests are a welcomed alternative, and they offer the appropriate protection for rearing young birds. However, it is also important that you give the birds an appropriate habitat with a natural garden and native plants, as this helps to attract insects that the birds need to raise their young.

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WHICH NEST BOX FOR WHICH BIRD?

Artificial nests help birds find a suitable place to raise their young. But before choosing a nest box, we recommend that you spend some time identifying which birds visit your garden most often. Depending on which bird species you find, its best to choose a nest box design that is going to suit them best.

Across our range you will find a variety of nest boxes, which all vary in material and size, to help accommodate the needs of different bird species. The size of the entrance hole is a very important factor for example, as every size is not suitable for every bird.  When choosing a nest box, the following guidelines can be used to give your garden birds the right home.

5 TIPS FOR HANGING NEST BOXES

These top tips have been designed to help you find the right place for your nest box, so that it will be quickly inhabited by local birdlife.

  • It’s important to choose a quiet place that is difficult for cats and other nest predators to access! (Minimum height is 1.5 to 2 metres)
  • Make sure that the nest box is installed in a place that is protected from wind, rain and sun! (Entrance hole oriented as far as possible to the east or northeast)
  • If you hang your nest box near bushes, you will be helping young birds when they make their first attempts to fly
  • Nest boxes with open fronts (half-caves, half-open nesting boxes) offer less protection than closed nesting boxes and should therefore be hung in a sheltered location (e.g. between dense ivy)
  • To attach the nest box to a tree trunk, it is best to use an aluminium nail so you don’t damage the tree

Suitable food for the breeding season