How to make a nest box for swifts

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 3 April 2020 at 11:05 am

Nesting sites for swifts are in decline, so why not give them a helping hand by making a nest box for them? We show you how.

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Swifts fly to the UK from sub-Saharan Africa and nest under the eaves of houses and tall buildings.

Both swifts and their suitable nesting sites are in decline, so why not help these fascinating birds by building and installing a nest box under your eaves?

Find out how to make a nest box for garden birds.

Put it in a shady spot at least 5m above the ground, with nothing obstructing the path to the entrance hole.

You Will Need

Weatherproof timber planks or marine ply (12-15mm thick)
Drill
Jigsaw or saw
Self-tapping screws
Angle brackets (two, 30cm x 20cm)

Step 1

How to make a nest box for swifts - cutting the wood

Measure and cut the wood to size: two pieces 50cm x 25cm for the roof and base, two pieces 50cm x 20cm for the front and back, and two side pieces 17cm x 20cm.

Step 2

How to make a nest box for swifts - cutting the entrance

Sand off any rough edges and ensure the pieces fit together well. Use the jigsaw or saw to cut a rectangular entrance that's 7cm x 3cm, in a bottom corner of the front panel.

Step 3

How to make a nest box for swifts - screwing the pieces together

Screw the pieces together, making sure they're flush and there are no gaps. Fix the brackets to the box so you can easily put up the box under the eaves of your roof.