Offered: Modern house. Popular area, with easy access to local facilities. Would suit couple looking to raise a family. No chain, enquire within.
Sounds like a pretty good property, doesn’t it? But I’m not talking human habitation, rather a home for birds. This time of year might seem rather dank and cold to us, but wildlife knows that spring is on the way. So animals start to make preparations and, in the case of birds, that involves finding somewhere snug to raise their family.
Putting up a nest box can be a really great way to encourage a little slice of nature into your garden. And it isn’t just good for the birds. Watching a pair of birds raising their chicks can provide hours of enjoyment.
Some nest boxes these days even come with cameras inside that can be attached to your TV or computer, so you can see everything that happens. Rather like your very own Springwatch.
Keen gardeners too should be interested in providing a home for the birds. Hungry chicks need a lot of caterpillars and grubs to eat, so your garden will get some thorough pest control, free of charge!
Nestboxes come in various sizes and shapes, but the basic model is a squarish box, with a round hole in the front. This will attract members of the tit family.
If instead of the round hole you have a large opening, you may attract a robin or a wren instead. There are also special boxes for things like sparrows, starlings or owls.
For more information about nestboxes, visit the RSPB website. There you can find out where to place them, designs to build your own, or boxes for sale via our online shop.
So this year, set yourself up a nestbox. And experience the joys of giving nature a home.
by Dr Chris Andrews
RSPB Frampton Marsh
