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Description

GIVE WILDLIFE A HELPING HAND BEING MAKING A NESTBOX TO PROVIDE SHELTER AND SAFETY.


House sparrows are a familiar sight in our gardens, but they're in trouble and struggling to cope in the modern world. Don’t worry if sparrows don't move in right away – it may take a while for a family to start where you live. But you'll be ready when they do!

Follow the instructions carefully and you could have a box that could be home to a brood of baby house sparrows.

This activity is based on the RSPB "Build a bird box" initiative.  Check out their pages for additional tips and other ideas for encouraging birds. https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/build-a-birdbox/

TIP: Painting your nest box is a really nice way personalising your box and making it your own!

Resources

One plank of FSC wood* per box: 15cm x 1.4m long x 1.5-1.8cm thick and not pressure treated
Pencil and tape measure
Saw
Nails
Strip of waterproof rubber or similar (recommended by not essential)
Drill
Optional: a hole saw/cutter for making 3.2cm holes
Screws

* Make sure you have the right wood. The thickness is important to insulate the box from cold and heat and to stop the box warping. You can use exterior-quality plywood (for a light box) or, for something more sturdy, hardwoods (such as oak and beech) or soft wood (such as pine, but this will deteriorate more quickly). Buy timber approved by the Forest Stewardship Council – look for the FSC logo.

Instructions

STEP ONE: CUTTING
Measure and cut your wood according to the diagram. Note: the dimensions shown are for 15mm thick wood. If your wood is different to that, the dimensions of the base should be 150mm by 150mm minus 2 x thickness of the wood, eg if the wood is 18mm thick, the base should be 150mm x 114mm.

If you don't have the hole saw/cutter for making the 3.2cm round hole, you can use a 'jigsaw' to cut a square or wedge-shaped hole at the top of the front panel. Drill three or so smaller holes in the base for drainage.

Remember: Adults should be in charge for all the steps involving sharp tools or nails!


STEP TWO: PUT TOGETHER
Nail all the pieces, except the roof, together. The sides, back and front 'wrap around' the base.

Attach the roof using a waterproof strip to make a hinge between the top edge of the roof and the backing board. You could use an old piece of bicycle tyre inner tube, a bit of damp-proof membrane or left over roofing felt -OR- screw the roof into place, using screws means you can open it for cleaning more easily.


STEP THREE: DECORATE (optional)
This can be a fun part of the make and will really show off your completed bird box now. Think about pattern and colour and create something really unique. Remember to use non-toxic water-based paints though!


STEP FOUR: PUT IT UP!
Drill some guide holes in the backing plate at the top and bottom of the box. Taking care have an adult, fix the box to a wall using a ladder, screws and Rawlplugs.

The RSPB give this guidance for finding the perfect spot for your nest box: "Ideally, it will be under the eaves of your house or high on a wall, well away from curious cats or foxes! Make sure you get permission if you need it. The box will need to be at least 3 metres (10 feet) from the ground, facing somewhere between north and east to avoid it getting too hot or wet. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight and don't put it over a doorway or well-used path.".

The RSPB also gives this advice about what to look for: "Sparrows will start house-hunting in spring. There is never a guarantee of them using your box, but if you're lucky you should see the males proudly chirping from nearby, or even from the roof of the box. Sparrows are sensitive to disturbance at the nest and protected by law. So watch and enjoy from a distance. ".



ADAPT FOR THE SECTION MAKING THE NEXT BOX
For Beavers, maybe work in lodges to complete one nestbox which is put near your meeting place. Or, pre-cut and pre-drill the materials, leaving the beavers to work together to assemble the boxes. You may decide to complete some parts of the assembly for them in advance.

For Cubs, Consider the skills involved in handling different tools and tailor to the capability of the pack. Pre-cutting the materials may be a sensible adaptation, leaving the cubs to drill holes and assemble.

For Scouts, assuming the correct level of adult supervision, time and space, they may be capable to completing the whole build including cutting the wood to shape following the pattern.


----- IMPORTANT ----- It hardly needs to be said, but please ensure this activity is done safely and under appropriate supervision. Be sure to supervise use of tools, ladders, paints etc.  Adjust the materials and tools to what you have available and are suitable for your particular situation. Have fun!  If included as part of a face-to-face session, leaders will need to create a Risk Assessment suitable to the setting and circumstances where this activity will be done.

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• DIY - Safety
• DIY - Tools
• Environmental Conservation - Project
• Naturalist - Activity
• Outdoors - Create
• Skills - Other