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 a block of balsa wood or 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.
