Birds are amazing creatures. There are an estimated 10,000 different bird species globally; each one adapted to thrive in its local environment. Despite the diversity of the species, all birds share three basic requirements to survive: food, water and shelter from predators and the elements.
If you’re looking for a quick and rewarding way to support the birds in your area, why not try your hand at building a bird box? A well-placed box can give small garden birds like blue tits and great tits a safe space to nest—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in both urban gardens and countryside settings.
Last week, my son made me a nest box to sit on the back of our garage following a step-by-step guide shared by Jim Edwards for woodlands.co.uk. Jim builds and sells bird and animal boxes to raise funds for the Monday Group, a Sussex-based volunteer organisation that maintains public footpaths and rights of way.
The nest box turned out great. It’s lovely and solid, so it should provide years of service. My son found the instructions to make the nest box easy to follow and enjoyed the process of building it. He’s even offered to make me some more!
If you’d like to make a bird box for your garden, you’ll find both the written instructions and a video guide below.
What You’ll Need to make a Nest Box
Materials
- Untreated softwood board (around 1.5cm thick)
- Wood screws or nails
- Hinges (optional, for a cleaning lid)
- Sandpaper
Tools
- Saw
- Drill or screwdriver
- Hammer (if using nails)
- Ruler or tape measure
- Pencil
- Safety goggles and gloves
Suggested Measurements
These measurements suit small garden birds such as blue tits, coal tits, and great tits. You can adjust the size slightly depending on your target species.
- Back panel: 30cm high × 15cm wide
- Front panel: 30cm high × 15cm wide, with a 25mm hole for blue tits (use a 28–32mm hole for slightly larger birds like great tits)
- Base: 11cm × 11cm
- Side panels (x2): 30cm high, with one edge sloped for a pitched roof
- Roof panel:18cm wide × 15cm deep (overhang at the front is helpful for rain protection)
After cutting, sand all edges to avoid splinters and make it safe for both you and the birds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the Box Structure. Start by attaching the side panels to the back panel using screws or nails. Make sure the sloped tops face in the same direction to support the roof later. Fix the base in place between the side panels, sitting it slightly up from the bottom (1–2cm) to allow air circulation. You can drill a couple of small holes in the base to help with drainage if needed. Then attach the front panel, aligning it with the sides. The entrance hole should sit about two-thirds of the way up the front.
2. Add the Roof Position the roof panel so it overhangs slightly at the front to keep rain out. You can fix it in place permanently with screws or attach it with a hinge so you can open it for cleaning. If hinged, use a small hook or nail to keep the lid closed during nesting season. Leave a narrow gap between the top of the box and the roof to improve airflow and prevent overheating in warm weather.
3. Install the Bird Box Mount the bird box 2 to 4 metres above ground, ideally on a tree, fence post, or wall in a quiet spot. The entrance should face between north and east to avoid strong sunlight and prevailing winds. Tilt the box slightly forward so rainwater runs off, and make sure it’s firmly fixed to prevent swaying.
Avoid placing multiple boxes too close together, as birds can be territorial during nesting season.
Creating a bird box is more than just a weekend project; it’s a real way to support biodiversity in your local area. With fewer natural nesting spaces available, birds benefit greatly from safe, sheltered boxes like this one. Plus, it’s a sustainable use of leftover wood, free from chemicals or plastic. Once installed, you might find your box becomes a regular home for nesting birds year after year, giving you a front-row seat to nature, right outside your door.
Thanks to Jim and the guys at woodlands.co.uk for kindly allowing me to share their DIY nest box instructions and top tips for siting it.
