Are you cleaning out your nest box this autumn?

We’re hoping to encourage people to clean out their garden nest boxes this autumn.

Bird Protection Law permits the cleaning out of nests between September 1 and January 31 so now is the perfect time to clean out nest boxes ready for winter roosting. 

Just like our own homes, nest boxes do need to be kept clean and people don’t tend to think about this.

It’s important to keep nest boxes clean because it will encourage birds to roost in the box over the winter and prevents the build-up of harmful parasites. It will also help extend the life of your nest box.

It is an offence to intentionally disturb breeding wild birds. However, nest box clearing is permitted after the season has ended.

The use of gloves is essential when handling nesting material as it may contain parasites. Any dead eggs must be destroyed promptly and cannot be kept or sold.

We find that birds are usually very good at cleaning out nest boxes for themselves when they want to use them – Blue Tits, for example, are quick to remove old nesting material and replace it with fresh moss in the spring.

However, emptying the box yourself is helpful as it can prevent damage to the wooden structure from organic materials breaking down. Nest boxes can provide an important roosting refuge for small birds in the winter months.

Low night temperatures are a particular danger for small, insectivorous birds that have to expend a considerable amount of energy just to keep warm.

They can lose up to 50% of their stored body weight in one night. Shelter from the elements in a nest box will give them that all important respite to allow them to forage at first light for food.