National Trust – Build Your Own 32mm Nest Box

Different species prefer different nest boxes and our range has been designed by our team of ornithologists to optimum dimensions for the species concerned. Look out for regular visitors to your garden and choose a box which best suits their needs. You can check using our hole size guide.

The National Trust BYO Nest Box Kit comes with everything you need to produce your very own nest box for generations of garden birds to come.

Contains: Pre-cut wood sections, all screws, nails, washers and a hanger. Includes clear instructions.

This 32mm hole nest box will be used by Great Tits, Pied Flycatchers, Tree Sparrows and House Sparrows.

Where should I site my nest box?

The best height for your nest box is widely accepted as being between 1.5m and 5.5m high (5ft – 18ft respectively). However, if your area has a particularly high cat population it is best to site your box even higher. If you only have an exposed site to offer, face the box somewhere between north through east to southeast, avoiding prevailing winds and strong sunlight. If siting in woodland, the dry side of the tree trunk offers the most protection. By their nature, open nest boxes require more cover; siting them near to climbing plants where they can be partially obscured is ideal. Siting your nest box near vegetation also aids young birds taking their first flights as it gives them both physical support and good cover. A clear flight path into the box works best and avoid sites such as the top of fences that make it easier for predators to get at the box.

Great Tit, Tree Sparrow and many more

These species are slightly larger, so they need a nest box with a 32mm hole. You should also mount these box between 2 and 4 metres from the ground – preferably on a wall or tree. Ideally, face the box between North and East to avoid the wet and sun. Tilt the box forward slightly when you hang it so that the roof can keep the rain out.