National Nest Box Week on our allotments

On the 14 – 21 February it’s UK’s National Nest Box Week, the start of the bird nesting season and a great moment to recognise the role allotments play in supporting local wildlife.

Disappearing habitat for birds

As hedgerows disappear and older buildings are renovated, birds are finding it harder to find safe nesting spaces. Allotments, with their sheds, trees, compost heaps and quieter corners, can become vital refuges; especially with the addition of a few well-placed nest boxes.

National Nest Box Week – ideal for allotments to support nature

Putting up a nest box is one of the simplest ways to help. Robins prefer open-fronted boxes tucked into sheltered spots, while blue tits and great tits need small entrance holes for protection. Position boxes away from strong winds and direct midday sun and avoid disturbing them once birds begin nesting.

Allotments are places where people and nature work side by side. Small habitat wildlife choices, from nest boxes to hedgehog houses and feeders help these shared spaces remain productive while allowing wildlife to thrive quietly in the background.

National Nest Box Week is also a lovely opportunity to involve younger growers, offering a close-up view of nature in action and nurturing care for the environment alongside food growing.

What birds are you likely to see?

Best birds you’re likely to see on UK allotments:

• Robin: often follows gardeners looking for disturbed soil
• Blue tit and Great tit: frequent nest box users
• Blackbird: common around compost heaps and fruit cages
• Wren: tiny but bold, often nesting in sheds or wood piles
• House sparrow: sociable birds that thrive near people

Other things you may see on your allotment (if you’re lucky!) a WooWoo Kazuba eco-loo. Allowing you more time to stay on your plot without needing to pop home ‘when nature calls’!

There are grants available from numerous independent and government bodies for off-grid toilet facilities on your allotment site. Please do reach out and ask us about grants if you’d like to explore this further. Happy National Nest Box Week!