Great Brampton Smallholding

Global warming has made life difficult for our small native wild birds, wet and freezing temperatures have drastically reduced their numbers. To help recovery the RSPB launched an appeal to put up more boxes for protection in the breeding season. Our bird boxes are very similar to those recommended by the RSPB. Hang the box at least two metres off the ground, the front sited between north and east to avoid strong sunlight. If fixing the nest box to a tree it's preferable to use thick wire on the hangers rather than fixing with nails. If you find the birds pecking at the entrance hole, it does not mean that the hole is too small. It's natural to think that the birds are trying to enlarge the hole. 25mm looks too small for a Blue Tit to get through, but believe me it is big enough! The RSPB suggest that the pecking may be a form of display by the male. Do not inspect the nest box when in use, as the parents may desert the eggs or chicks. Young birds and chicks need live food; mealworms can be a true life saver if the spring is cold and wet. Mealworms are available from pet shops. The plywood we use is FSC certified. We make our boxes with a 25mm or a 32mm Ø entrance hole. 25mm Ø entrance hole suitable blue tits, cole tits and marsh tits, and other small birds. 32mm Ø entrance hole for Great Tits and Tree Sparrows and other slightly larger birds. We make an open fronted box for Robins and Wrens. £8.99 plus P&P