Nesting Boxes

[Biccylova]

Which way should a nest box face, we live near Norwich, my Daughter lives in Scotland so the nest boxes must face differently surely.

[maggiebee]

Mine faces West but not sure if there are any strict rules. I'm in Scotland.

[sapelesam]

Most prevailing wind in the UK is from the south west but I don't think it reall matters which direction the entry hole faces.

[gness]

Biccy......I try to face mine between north and east....but there are other considerations....such as the type of bird you'd like to attract to the nest box...the RSPB should have some information on line.....x

[anthro-nerd]

Outwards from the tree or building would possibly be the most helpful for the bird...? ;-)

[anthro-nerd]

As a more helpful answer, gness is right, there is a lot of information here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/nestboxes/nestboxes-for-small-birds/making-and-placing-a-bird-box/

[anotheoldgit]

I have had one for a couple of years or more, and although I have put up a 'For Sale' sign and now even a 'For Rent' sign as yet I have received no enquiries.

[gness]

I quite liked your first answer, Anthro......nothing worse for a bird than a crumpled beak....... ;-)

[sapelesam]

I wanted to say that Anthro, just couldn't put it into words.

[melv16]

My daughter's garden is mostly woodland. I gave her several boxes, which she duly fastened to the trees. The previous owner had a pond, the filter and pump were situated under a water header tank, turned upside down. Guess where a pair of great tits nested?

[Khandro]

I agree with gness, north east, being on that side of the tree it will be sheltered from hottest sun in the afternoons.

[Biccylova]

Thanks everyone, most helpful, I noticed one of my neighbours has one facing north-east, he says bluetits use it every year, but he has ivy arranged around and over it to shelter it and he renews this every year, seems to work, so you could try that anotheoldgit.