Looking to make your garden more wildlife friendly? A bird box is a great first step. However, if you haven’t already noticed, there are a lot to choose from!
With different shapes, materials and sizes on offer, you’re forgiven for feeling confused. To help you out, I’ve reviewed three bird boxes from CJ Wildlife, a UK-based brand that has a huge range of bird houses – and many other products that will help wildlife – to choose from.
Where to place your bird boxBefore you’ve bought your bird box, it might be a good idea to figure out where you’re going to place it. Here are some tips:
When to put up a bird boxBird boxes for small birds can be put up in the spring. Try to put one up as early as possible, as breeding pairs will begin to scout out nesting locations in late February to early March. However, if you buy one later than this, it’s still worth putting it up, as some birds will nest in them during the winter months. Try not to disturb your bird box by check inside it to see if birds are nesting. Instead, watch it at intervals throughout the day, and if your placement is successful, you may see the birds flitting in and out through the entrance. |
The Funchal Lounge Roosting Nest
Best for small birds such as great tits, blue tits, pied flycatchers, tree sparrows and house sparrows
This natural looking, teardrop shaped nest box is made from a lightweight rattan material, which means that it is easily camouflaged when positioned amongst sheltered bushes thanks to its texture and colour. Not only will it look great enshrouded amongst a blanket of ivy, for example, but it’ll also be more protected from predators when camouflaged.
The shape creates plenty of space inside for small birds to grow, feed and thrive. It’s a beautiful and practical refuge from the elements.
Size: 15 x 15 x 30 cm
Entrance Hole: 32 mm
Buy it here.
National Trust Robin & Wren Nest Box
Best for robins and wrens
Created by the National Trust, this wooden nest box has been crafted to keep robins and wrens safe – two delightful birds to watch in the garden!
It features a fairly wide opening at the front, which is sheltered by a mini green roof. Best of all, the bottom of the box opens up via a catch, making it easy to clean out after nesting season each year, keeping your local birds clean and free from disease.
Size: 20 x 26 x 17cm
Buy it here.
Stafford Half Open Nest Box
Best for pied wagtails and blackbirds
Though this bird house might seem too ‘open’, some birds actually prefer this style, such as blackbirds and pied wagtails.
It has been designed with wood that has been thermally modified by heating it in an oxygen depleted environment at more than 180⁰C, significantly improving durability.
Not only that, but this process makes the appearance more unique, thanks to the pleasing ‘flamed’ surface paired with the black roof. All in all, a smart bird box to have in your garden!
Size: 18 x 14.5 x 18cm
Buy it here.
Browse more of CJ Wildlife’s expertly designed bird boxes here.
Images courtesy of CJ Wildlife.

Michael has been involved with gardening and plants since he was just five years old. He is a self-professed Plant Geek, and was listed in the Sunday Times top 20 most influential people in the gardening world, thanks to his plant hunter role at Thompson & Morgan.
Michael was responsible for new plant introductions such as the Egg and Chips plant and the FuchsiaBerry and keeps busy travelling the world in search of new plants as well as lecturing worldwide, including stints in Japan. He is very active on social media – so why not give him a follow at @mr_plantgeek or Facebook. You can also listen to The Plant Based Podcast with Michael and co-host Ellen-Mary on iTunes, Spotify and Google.