Building Our Own Bird Boxes
There’s something special about spending time outdoors with your children — hands muddy, ideas flying, and the shared excitement of creating something that helps nature. We decided to build our own bird boxes from kits we found from the National Trust at BirdFood.co.uk. What started as a simple afternoon project turned into one of those moments that stays with you.
Building Together
Each of my three children took charge of their own box. There were wooden panels, nails, and plenty of giggles as we tried to keep everything straight. I helped with the assembly — holding the pieces steady while they learned the feel of a hammer and the satisfaction of making something with their own hands.
Once the boxes were built, the real fun began: the painting. Each child had their own idea of how a “proper” bird house should look:
One went for camouflage — earthy greens and browns to blend with the trees.
Another chose a smart grey box with a bright red roof.
And the third designed a bold black roof with a red front, which somehow looked both stylish and bird-approved!
By the end, we had three completely unique creations — and three very proud children.
Finding the Perfect Spot
After the paint dried, we spent time deciding where to put them. It turns out, there’s a bit of science behind where bird boxes should go — and it makes a real difference.
Here’s what we learned (and what worked for us):
Height: Mount the boxes about 2–4 metres high, so they’re safe from cats and other predators but still easy to check.
Direction: Face the box between north and east to avoid the strongest sunlight and heavy rain.
Shelter: Ours are fixed to the side of a building but under the cover of trees, which keeps them cool in summer and sheltered in winter.
Spacing: If you have more than one, keep a few metres between them so nesting birds don’t feel crowded.
We used sturdy screws to fix them securely, checking they were level and stable — a wobbly box can put off potential residents.
The Best Reward
A few months later, we spotted movement at one of the boxes — a pair of blue tits had decided to make it home. Watching them fly in and out with bits of moss and feathers was a wonderful reminder of why these small projects matter. It’s a simple thing, but it brings so much joy — knowing that the time we spent together helped give a family of birds a safe place to grow.
A Few Extra Tips
If you’d like to try this yourself:
Clean the box each autumn once you’re sure it’s empty.
Don’t use varnish inside — just natural, non-toxic paint on the outside is best.
We added our own perches by drilling a hole just below the opening, and inserting a small dowel.
Keep watch quietly and let nature take its course.