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Invest in a love nest for Valentine’s Day

Nest box by Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Snowdrops are blossoming, birds are singing and love is in the air.

As well as encouraging people to put up nest boxes for birds in their own gardens and green spaces, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has nest boxes available to rent on a number of nature reserves. These virtual gifts are perfect for love-struck humans who care for both the recipient and woodland birds on St Valentine’s Day and throughout the year.

Caitlin Stuart, co-ordinator of the Trust’s rent-a-nest scheme, explained “National Nest Box week always begins on Valentine’s Day for good reason – it’s the time of year when birds are looking for a mate and a suitable nest site in which to raise their young. 

“With winter being so mild (so far), we’re already hearing birds singing their spring songs. We’d encourage anyone who can to put up a solid nest box or help out Worcestershire’s woodland birds by renting a nest on one of our nature reserves.”

From building renovations, loss of woodlands and tidying of gardens and green spaces, many potential nesting sites for birds have disappeared. Most people have space to put up a bird box – on the side of house, on the garden shed or even on a tall garden fence.

Blue tit about to fly out of a nest box by Theresa Salmon Dillworth

Blue tit and nest box by Theresa Salmon Dillworth

Bird boxes shouldn’t be erected in direct sunlight and different birds have different needs. Robins, for example, will nest in open-fronted nest boxes whereas blue tits need a box with a small hole (max 32mm). Starlings, whose numbers have plummeted in recent years, require a hole of 45mm whilst house sparrows nest colonially so will need a terrace or more than one box.

The Trust’s rent-a-nest scheme funds boxes in four Worcestershire Wildlife Trust woodlands – Knowles Coppice (Bewdley), Lower Smite Farm (Worcester/Droitwich Spa), Tiddesley Wood (Pershore) and The Knapp and Papermill (Alfrick Pound).  The nest boxes are a range of sizes to appeal to a variety of bird species.

Caitlin continued “Renting a nest on a nature reserve is a perfect present to demonstrate how much you care for a loved one as well as Worcestershire’s wildlife. Our woodlands already have natural holes for birds to nest in but the boxes offer additional opportunities, increasing the chances of birds breeding successfully.

“Boxes are rented on an annual basis for just £20, which includes updates on what birds are resting in the love-nest as well as an invite to view their nest box and its occupants.” 

Trained and experienced volunteers monitor the boxes so the Trust knows what species use each one and how many young have been raised. The monitoring also provides great information about the birds, which can help with the Trust management.

Anyone wishing to rent-a-nest can do so via the online shop, in person from Lower Smite Farm or over the phone on 01905 754919.

Nest box do’s:

  • Boxes should be more than 2.5m from the ground (and not easily accessible to predators such as cats or squirrels)
  • Boxes should be made of thick, untreated wood (woodcrete boxes are best)
  • Consider fixing a metal plate around the hole to deter squirrels from gaining access
  • Open-fronted nest boxes should be erected on a large tree, wall or fence amongst shrubs or creepers
  • Be patient – it can take a year or two before boxes are occupied

Nest box don’ts:

  • Don’t site nest boxes too close to each other as it may encourage aggression between neighbours
  • Don’t site nest boxes in direct sunlight or facing the prevailing wind/rain
  • Avoid siting nest boxes in the feeding area as activity levels could disturb nesting pairs

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