Nestbox for large-hole nesting birds
Species such as Stock Dove, Jackdaw, Starling, Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker are all species which nest in holes, and a box of the following dimensions will meet their requirements.
The design shows a rectangular entrance hole 6 x 4 inches, which is acceptable to Stock Dove, Jackdaw and Starling. For Woodpeckers it is better instead to have a front hole of 2 inches diameter (50 millimetres) for Great Spotted Woodpecker, and 2.5 inches (60 millimetres) for Green Woodpecker. For all Woodpeckers, the box should be packed with expanded polystyrene which they can excavate to make their nest.
The roof should be hinged, preferably with a strong brass hinge, so that new polystyrene may be put in each year. Drainage holes should be drilled in the floor. The box should have a stout batten (approximately 24 inches long, or 3 x 1 inches timber) screwed firmly to the back of nestbox for mounting to a tree as high as possible in a secluded place.
