Where to put your nestbox

Boxes for tits, sparrows or starlings should be fixed two to five metres up a tree or wall, out of the reach of cats and curious humans! 

Unless there are trees or buildings that give permanent shelter, it is best to face the box between north and east, to avoid strong sunlight and the wettest winds. 

Tilt the box forward slightly so any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear. House sparrows and starlings will readily use nestboxes if you put them high up under the eaves of your house - and putting them there will often deter the birds from nesting in your roof! Keep nestboxes away from areas where house martins normally nest. 

Open-fronted boxes for robins and wrens need to be low down, well hidden in a bush, shrub or tree.

Fixing your nestbox with nails may damage the tree. It is better to attach it with wire around the trunk or branch. Use a piece of hose or section of car tyre around the wire to prevent damage to the tree. Remember that trees grow in girth as well as height, and check any fixing every two or three years.

Two boxes of the same kind may both be occupied if they are at the edge of adjoining territories and if there is plenty of natural food. Tits can, however, be very aggressive and seldom nest at densities greater than two or three pairs per acre. If you put up different boxes, you can attract several species.