Once a fascination largely for elderly gardeners and small children, finding joy in birdhouses and birdwatching is proving to be rather popular among all ages in 2025; in part for environmental reasons, and in part to help loosen the grip that screen-focused activities have on our consciousness.
You heard it here first – ornithology is officially in, and what better way to help support, chart and categorise new avian friends than with your very own decorative birdhouse?
Why are birdhouses important for local wildlife?
Contrary to popular belief, birdhouses are an important addition to local gardens and green spaces all year round – not just in spring. They offer essential shelter during harsher winter months, and – according to CJ Wildlife – encourage successful breeding the following spring by allowing birds to familiarise themselves with new nesting spots.
In fact, in 2021, four cavity-nesting bird species – Common Swift, Common Starling, House Martin and House Sparrow – were listed on the Red List, indicating significant population decline, according to Wildlife and Countryside Link and The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).
There aren’t always enough nooks and crannies to go around, which is where birdhouses come in.
Birdhouses are a haven for cavity-seeking avian friends. While some species of birds build intricate nests in tree branches, or rather sad-looking collections of twigs in city alleyways (pigeons, we’re talking about you), many species either look for or create holes in trees within which they can meticulously craft nests and lay eggs. A few examples of cavity-seeking birds in the UK include the Blue Tit and Great Tit, Starlings, Kestrels, Swifts and House Sparrows.
What to consider when setting up a birdhouse for the first time
- Quality of materials: Birdboxes should have thick walls made from untreated wood to provide ample insulation. If decorated, always ensure it’s been done with non-toxic materials. Opt for a high-quality birdhouse with a hinged door to make cleaning easier throughout the year.
- Type of nesting box: Different birds, naturally, have different preferences when it comes to nesting. Some sources suggest avoiding birdhouses with perches, as they make it easier for predators to enter. According to BTO, hole-fronted boxes are suitable for smaller birds like Blue Tits, Coal Tits, and Marsh Tits (25mm hole), as well as Great Tits and Tree Sparrows (28mm hole). Larger birds like Starlings (45mm hole) and House Sparrows (32mm hole) require larger entrance holes. Open-fronted boxes are favoured by Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, and Spotted Flycatchers.
- Placement: Prevailing winds, height and sun direction all play a vital part in where different bird species may choose to nest. Always place a birdhouse facing away from direct sunlight, as south-facing or exposed locations can overheat the birdhouse and harm young chicks. Ensure the house is sloped slightly downwards and protected from harsh winds or inclement weather. There should also be a clear, unobstructed flight path for birds to come and go as they please.
- Mounting: If you’re attaching a birdhouse to a tree trunk, doing so with screws or rope that are too tight may damage the tree. When mounting a birdhouse, always leave enough room for the trunk to grow, and regularly check the wire or rope to ensure the bark is protected. Galvanised wire is the recommended means of mounting, as it won’t rust. Some ornithologists pop a bit of old hosepipe or part of a rubber bike tyre in front of the wire to further protect the tree.
- Yearly maintenance/cleaning: Cleaning removes parasites, diseases, and old nesting material that can harm chicks or prevent future nesting attempts. The best time to clean birdhouses is at the end of the breeding season, which is typically in autumn between October and November, but it differs from species to species.
If you’re looking to offer shelter to feathered would-be friends, we’ve curated a selection of the best decorative and practical birdhouses below.
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Lindleywood Personalised Bird House
It’s not just bakery themes over at Lindleywood – the expert woodworker can personalise a bird house to suit your personal preferences, whether it’s a replica of your childhood home, or your favourite local watering hole. Meticulously handcrafted from high-grade sustainable European redwood pine, all birdhouses are then painted with non-toxic, water-based wood paints suitable for outdoor use.
Buy now £59.00, Etsy
Garden Mile Red Post Box Bird House
What better way to disguise a birdhouse than by having it resemble a miniature post box? Lightweight and weatherproof, this birdhouse has a uniquely sloped roof to keep nestlings dry during perennial British showers. It’s also equipped with a hole for hanging, a back panel for easy cleaning, plus a perch for landing.
Buy now £15.36, Amazon
NOTHS Personalised Beach Hut Bird Box
Bring a little bit of summer to your garden year-round with the help of this adorable, personalisable beach hut-themed birdhouse. The handy sloped roof can be easily lifted for regular cleaning, and the birdhouse even comes with a dedicated instruction manual for mounting and general care.
Buy now £62.10, NOTHS
Dibor Grey Three Tier Wooden Bird House
This triple-tiered birdhouse looks like it’s been plucked straight from the Hundred Acre Woods. It features a subtle grey painted finish with textured woodland bark and branches to help it blend into your local environment. It can be mounted from a tree, or used as a hanging garden ornament, depending on your space.
Buy now £28.00, Dibor
Funchal Lounge Roosting Nest 32mm
If you’re looking for a value-for-money birdhouse that blends seamlessly into your garden, look no further than the Funchal Lounge Roosting Nest, featuring a 32mm entry hole. It’s crafted from a lightweight rattan material that will keep nestlings protected from harsh environments, while also providing ample ventilation. The pear-drop shape is perfect for Great Tits, Blue Tits, Pied Flycatchers, Tree Sparrows and House Sparrows.
Buy now £7.99, CJ Wildlife
Robert Dyas St Helens Wood Bird House
Featuring a dark forest green to blend with the garden greenery, this pocket-friendly birdhouse is a subtle buy. A 30mm entryway hold will accommodate blue tits, coal tits, marsh tits, tree sparrows and many other garden birds. Mount yours on a wall out of harsh sunlight and away from any hustle and bustle.
Buy now £11.99, Robert Dyas
Wildlife World Hanging Bempton Bird Table
Comfortable for larger birds, this pretty bird table from Wildlife World is handcrafted using FSC-certified timber from sustainably managed forests.
Suitable for various feed types, it has an easy-to-clean, removable tray and a roof made with real copper with a charming patina finish. The latticed balustrade is designed to provide a safe area for smaller birds to feed, which also prevents larger birds like crows, pigeons, magpies and seagulls from accessing the food.
Buy now £28.65, John Lewis
Pleasant Ranch Palm Canyon Birdhouse
Does the mid-century modern aesthetic not only govern your interiors, but your exteriors too? If so, this fantastic handmade birdhouse is set to be your dream garden accessory. Designed by Steve Hadeka, the creator spent eight years developing this architectural birdhouse. Though designed with North American nesting birds in mind, it’ll work well for small UK-dwelling birds that seek cavities. It also comes with a handy mounting flange.
Buy now £192.71, Etsy
Wildlife World Dovecote Nest Box
Aesthetically-pleasing and highly functional, Wildlife World’s Dovecote nest box is made for small birds in the style of a traditional dovecote – a typically larger structure traditionally intended to house pigeons or doves. It’s made with FSC-certified timber, has a brilliant, sloped roof to keep rain away, and has a keyhole opening at the back for hanging. Wildlife World recommends re-painting it annually with water-based paint to maintain its pristine appearance.
Buy now £48.99, Amazon
Wildlife World Simon King Curve Cavity Nest Box
Prefer to maintain a more contemporary gardenscape? The Wildlife World Simon King Curve Cavity Nest Box is a modern alternative to the traditional birdhouse. A curved entry hole mirrors the natural silhouette of a tree hollow, making it ideal for small species including tits, sparrows and flycatchers.
Buy now £29.99, Robert Dyas
