Nest Boxes

• Select design to suit target species. Always assess need – only use in situations where natural tree holes are lacking and/or where boxes are targeted to provide for particular species. Widespread use of standard nest boxes for blue tits/great tits not advisable.
• Note maintenance requirement, although this should reduce if management provides natural resources. Important to get other habitat right for species suite before nest boxes are used.

Can provide effective shelter for birds and mammals and boost populations where natural features (tree holes) are lacking. However there are potential issues with increasing populations of competitor species which may be detrimental to populations of more specialist species. Targeted nest boxes designed for particular specialist species may provide some value where these are present.