If you’re lucky enough to have wonderful (but elusive!) woodpeckers close by, this large wooden house will give them a safe place to nest and raise their young.

Made from 100% FSC-certified timber, the box has been specifically designed for their needs, with an extra thick bowl-shaped bottom to hold their large eggs.

Though woodpeckers can excavate their own holes in trees, they’ll also readily use existing ones. To encourage natural nesting habits, the box has an entrance they can uncover for themselves. The front is sealed so the woodpecker can peck away at the material to create their own hole.

Of our three native woodpecker species, the distinctive black and white great spotted woodpecker will be the most likely to set up home in a nesting box.

They may use the box for either nesting or roosting; woodpeckers normally start to breed in April so keep a watchful eye on it in spring.

For the best chance of occupation, mount the box 3-5m high on a tree trunk with a clear flight path well away from disturbance. As nails can damage trees, the RSPB recommend attaching it either with a nylon bolt or with wire around the trunk.

At the end of the breeding season, the opening side door makes it easy to clean out old nesting material ready for next year.

Measurements:
W23.5cm x D19cm x H54.5cm