Giving Birds a Head Start
National Nest Box Week, starting on 14th February is a reminder that late winter is a key moment for supporting garden and woodland birds. As days lengthen, many species begin looking for safe nesting sites well before spring fully arrives.
Across our sites, Cambridge Past, Present & Future maintains a network of 93 nest boxes, which are checked each winter by our warden team and volunteers. This annual survey helps us understand how boxes are being used and ensures they are clean and ready for the season ahead.
This winter, 71% of the boxes checked showed evidence of nesting activity. Usage varies from year to year, and a quiet box one season does not mean it won’t be used the next. Birds can be selective, and patterns change depending on weather, food availability, and local conditions. Patience is part of the process.
Choosing and installing a nest box
If you’re thinking about putting up a nest box at home or in your community, a few simple choices can make a difference:
Material matters
Woodcrete boxes can last up to 25 years and offer better insulation and stability than thinner wooden boxes. Importantly, predators such as woodpeckers and squirrels can’t chew/peck their way into these boxes.Positioning
Install boxes 2–5 metres high on trees, walls, or buildings. A north to east-facing position helps avoid strong sun and prevailing wet winds.Timing
Winter is ideal for installation. Some birds begin scouting nesting sites as early as January.Maintenance
Cleaning boxes over winter is important. Old nesting material should be removed to reduce parasites and ensure the box is ready, but this should always be done outside the breeding season to avoid disturbance.
National Nest Box Week, starting on February 14th is coordinated by the British Trust for Ornithology, encourages people to notice and support the quieter preparation that happens before spring feels fully underway. Whether you’re installing a new box or checking an existing one, small actions now can help create better conditions for birds later in the year.
Across our sites seasonal work is part of how we support wildlife over the long term, paying attention to patterns that only emerge through patience and consistency.
Become a guardian of Cambridge and support Wandlebury.
