Topic guide
Nest boxes
Choose, position and care for nest boxes for blue tits, robins, house sparrows and swifts with current UK guidance.
A useful nest box has to suit the bird, the position and your ability to leave it undisturbed through the breeding season. Entrance style, internal space, ventilation, drainage and protection from harsh weather all matter more than decoration.
Begin with the species already present and the safe positions your garden or building can offer. Blue tits use a small round entrance, robins need an open front hidden in cover, house sparrows can use neighbouring chambers, and swifts need a specialised high wall box with open air below.
The guides below bring those decisions together. They also explain when installation, repair and cleaning are appropriate. Active nests, eggs and wild birds are protected, so never move, open or alter a box simply to get a closer view.
If you are still identifying your visitors, meet the blue tit, great tit, robin and house sparrow before choosing a box. Our garden-bird guide covers the other regular visitors too.
Start here
Match the bird, entrance and position first
A box is useful only when its entrance and placement suit the intended species. Check the birds already using your garden before comparing materials or adding a camera.
Find a suitable nest-box positionThree useful next reads
Explore this topic
Useful guides and comparisons
Best nest boxes
Compare five box styles and match the entrance, construction and position to the intended bird.
Read the guide →Species guideNest boxes for blue tits
Choose between 25mm, 28mm and 32mm wooden boxes without inviting unnecessary competition.
Read the guide →Species guideNest boxes for robins
Compare open-front boxes and find the deep shelter this familiar garden bird needs.
Read the guide →Species guideNest boxes for sparrows
Compare three separate-chamber terraces for sociable house sparrows.
Read the guide →Species guideSwift nest boxes
Purpose-built external boxes for a suitable high wall with completely clear access.
Read the guide →Species guideNest boxes for great tits
Compare 28mm and 32mm openings, materials and suitable positions.
Read the guide →Species guideNest boxes for wrens
Choose an open front only when you have deep shelter and a safe approach.
Read the guide →Species guideNest boxes for starlings
Why a larger purpose-made box is different from an ordinary tit box.
Read the guide →Specialist nestsHouse martin nest cups
Enclosed cups beneath suitable exterior eaves.
Read the guide →Specialist nestsSwallow nest cups
Open cups in accessible, sheltered outbuildings.
Read the guide →MaterialsWood or woodcrete?
Compare insulation, weight, durability and fixings.
Read the guide →EntrancesOpen front or round hole?
Match the opening to the intended bird.
Read the guide →Practical adviceAttract swifts to a box
Site, shade, flight path and sensible use of calls.
Read the guide →Problem solverWhy is a box unused?
Check position and species fit before replacing it.
Read the guide →Practical adviceSafe nesting materials
When natural fibres help and what to avoid.
Read the guide →Camera boxesCamera-ready bird boxes
An empty box designed for a separately chosen camera.
Read the guide →Reference guideNest-box hole sizes
Understand the standard 25mm, 28mm, 32mm and 45mm entrances and open-front boxes.
Read the guide →PlacementWhere to put a nest box
Use height, aspect, shelter, spacing and a clear flight path to choose a better site.
Read the guide →TimingWhen to put up a nest box
Why autumn and winter are ideal, and when work must stop to avoid disturbance.
Read the guide →Care guideHow and when to clean a nest box
Check that a box is empty, follow the lawful window and clean it without household chemicals.
Read the guide →Problem solverProtect a nest box from predators
Improve siting and construction and use a correctly sized entrance plate only when appropriate.
Read the guide →