Celebrate National Nest Box Week with RSPB Dee Estuary

Love will be in the air on February 14th and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by helping our feathered friends find cozy homes?

National Nest Box week appropriately begins on Valentine’s Day, marking the beginning of the breeding season for birds and is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, will be inviting nature enthusiasts of all ages to join them in celebrating National Nest Box Week from February 14th to February 21^st, with events planned across the country.

As part of the celebrations, RSPB Dee Estuary is hosting a special event on Saturday, February 17th, at the picturesque nature reserve RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a unique "Build your own bird box" workshop. This hands-on activity aims to raise awareness about the importance of providing nesting sites for garden birds, especially during the breeding season when many species are seeking suitable habitats to raise their young.

National Nest Box Week events form part of the charity’s wider plans to drive community engagement and connections to nature across the UK, as well as increasing awareness of the threat to garden birds and how we can all do our bit to reverse species decline.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Operations Manager, RSPB Dee Estuary said:

"At RSPB Dee Estuary, we are passionate about wildlife conservation and creating habitats that support nature. National Nest Box Week is a chance to learn all about how to attract more birds to your garden, help our avian friends and do your bit for conservation."

Participants will be guided by RSPB experts who will provide all necessary materials and tools to build the bird boxes. Families can learn about the various types of nest boxes, the best places to put them, and techniques to attract a diverse range of bird species to their gardens, such as boxes to attract Blue Tits, which is the box attendees will be building on the day. Participants will learn about open fronted nest boxes, for example, which are used by species like Robins or Wrens and about more unusual nest boxes like a House Sparrow terrace nest box.

Dan added:

"We're thrilled to offer this family-friendly event, where everyone can learn, engage, and contribute to wildlife conservation. By building nest boxes and supporting initiatives like National Nest Box Week, we hope to create a more bird-friendly environment and inspire a love for nature in future generations”.

Visitors can also explore the vast expanse of wetlands teeming with wildlife and watch the thousands of wading birds and pink-footed geese that have arrived for the winter as well as residents such as marsh harriers and great white egrets.

Tickets for the event include pre-cut materials and tools for assembling the bird boxes, with entry charges for non-members applicable on the day. Due to limited availability, booking is essential, and children aged 7 and above are welcome to participate under adult supervision.  The workshop will take place in the nature reserve’s tranquil wildlife garden with provisions for indoor activities in case of inclement weather.

Two sessions will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 and 11:30 to 12:30, ensuring ample opportunity for everyone to take part.  During the workshops refreshments will be available to buy at the visitor centre’s new eco-conscious café, offering a winter warming lunchtime menu and serving up bird-friendly coffee.

RSPB Dee Estuary is dedicated to the conservation and protection of wildlife habitats in the Dee Estuary region. Through a variety of educational programs, events, and initiatives, RSPB Dee Estuary aims to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and inspire local communities to take action to help nature.

National Nest Box Week comes hot on the heels of the RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch, the world's largest garden wildlife survey, held in January, and results from this will be announced soon.

For more information and to reserve your next box building spot, please visit: 

Burton Mere Wetlands - Dee Estuary Nature Reserve - The RSPB

Pictured - Blue Tit. 

Image Credit: Louise Greenhorn. RSPB Images