Many garden birds that visit your bird table and feeders will also nest nearby, often in trees, hedges or buildings, but many of these traditional nesting sites are disappearing as a result of gardens being ‘tidied up’ and old buildings being renovated which often results in the loss of these nesting sites for birds. So, if you can, why not help our feathered friends?

Starting on February 14th (yes ... Valentine’s Day!) is National Nest Box Week which each year encourages people to do their bit and help the birds in their garden by building nest boxes and then watching which birds move into their new purpose-built des-res!

There are a wide range of designs of nest boxes from those with small entrance holes for birds such as Blue Tits and Sparrows; boxes with medium-sized entrances for Starlings and Woodpeckers; special shaped ones for Swifts, open-fronted boxes for Robins and Wrens and if you are feeling particularly ambitious then there is always the large nest boxes for Owls and Kestrels.

Of course nest boxes can be bought rather than made with one’s own hands but there is not only a great satisfaction in building one but it can be a great family project and a different design of nest box could be built each year and will attract a wider variety of birds to your garden. And if you really want to get the most out of your newly furnished bird residence then perhaps consider buying a nest box camera. You will get a truly fascinating intimate view of the lives of the birds as they raise their young and can be a great learning tool for kids.

By getting involved with the National Nest Box Week not only will the whole family be able to help the birds found in your garden but also will also give many hours of fun watching the antics of these birds and their young. At the same time you also get the chance to help with gathering knowledge about which birds are nesting in your garden by contributing to the Nest Box Challenge 2012.