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Adding wildlife houses to your garden is like putting out a warm invitation to nature — it's surprising how quickly a bare tree or a quiet corner comes alive. These simple structures give birds, bats, hedgehogs, and beneficial insects shelter, nesting sites, and safety from predators. On top of that, they turn a garden into an outdoor theatre where you can watch seasonal dramas unfold: nesting, feeding, and fledging. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife watcher or just starting, the right house can make a huge difference for local biodiversity.
Finding the right wildlife house is half about choosing a good design and half about buying from a reliable retailer. In the UK you'll find a broad range of options from mainstream DIY shops to specialist conservation stores. Below are popular places to check out, each offering different strengths — from budget-friendly mass-market models to handcrafted, species-specific boxes.
B&Q is a go-to for garden basics and typically stocks a range of bird boxes, bat boxes, and insect hotels at wallet-friendly prices. If you want straightforward installation and clear product specs, B&Q often lists entrance-hole sizes and recommended mounting heights. Their wood and recycled-plastic models are OK for casual gardeners who want durability without fuss.
Homebase tends to carry a good selection of entry-level to mid-range bird boxes as well as larger nesting boxes for species like starlings and house sparrows. They often feature seasonal offers and bundle deals, making it a smart pick if you’re outfitting multiple spots in your garden.
Wickes focuses on sturdy, construction-grade designs. If you’d like wildlife houses built from thicker timber and robust fixings, Wickes is worth a look. Their products lean towards the practical: well-ventilated, predator-resistant boxes designed to last through British weather.
The Range often stocks decorative and functional birdhouses, hedgehog houses, and insect habitats. They combine style with utility, so if you want a wildlife house that also complements your garden design, this retailer often has eye-catching choices.
For species-specific advice and conservation-minded products, the RSPB shop is hard to beat. Their nesting boxes and bat boxes are designed with bird and bat behaviour in mind, and buying from them supports conservation work. Expect clear guidance on which box suits which bird and detailed installation tips.
Argos supplies a broad range of budget-friendly wildlife houses including simple wooden bird boxes and larger family-sized boxes. Their online catalogue is easy to search and often includes customer reviews, so you can quickly compare what real users think.
John Lewis usually stocks a smaller, more curated selection of higher-quality or design-led bird and wildlife houses. If you prefer a blend of aesthetics and function — think cedar wood boxes with neat finishes — this is a good place to shop.
Marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay give you access to a massive range — handcrafted boxes from small makers, imported designs, and specialist boxes for bats or owls. Use product reviews and seller ratings to separate gems from duds. For cheaper imports, double-check material quality and ventilation info.
Not all wildlife houses are created equal. Different species need different entrance sizes, internal dimensions, and mounting heights. Choosing a house that matches the target species is the first step to success.
These typically have an entrance hole about 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and internal dimensions roughly 6 to 8 inches square. They’re ideal for blue tits, great tits, and other small songbirds. Mount them about 6 to 15 feet above ground, facing away from prevailing winds.
Larger boxes with entrance holes near 2 inches suit starlings and sometimes sparrows. Internal floor space is larger — often around 8 to 10 inches — and these can be grouped on buildings or in hedgerows to attract colony nesters.
Owl boxes are bigger and deeper, with an internal height of 12 to 18 inches and a wide open front or large hole. Species like tawny owls prefer boxes mounted 10 to 30 feet up on a mature tree or a pole, placed in quiet spots where they can hunt nearby fields.
Bat boxes are typically tall, narrow, and have slotted entrances, designed to mimic tree crevices. Mount them 10 to 20 feet high on a south- or east-facing wall or tree with at least a few hours of sunlight per day. Ensure the box is at least 4 to 6 inches deep internally and has rough surfaces for bats to cling to.
Hedgehog houses are low, with ground-level access and internal chambers about 8 to 12 inches high. Place them in quiet corners, under hedges or next to compost piles where hedgehogs can forage for slugs and beetles by night.
Insect hotels provide winter shelter and nesting tunnels for solitary bees and other beneficial insects. Look for sections with 4 to 6-inch deep bamboo tubes or drilled timber blocks. Mount them 3 to 6 feet off the ground, facing south or southeast to catch morning sun.
The material affects durability, insulation, and appearance. Let’s break down common choices so you can match form to function.
Softwood is affordable and easy to work with. It’s fine for most bird boxes but needs a few extra years of maintenance to avoid rot. If you buy softwood, choose thicker boards — at least 3/4 inch — to help with insulation and longevity.
Cedar and other hardwoods cost more but resist rot naturally and look attractive. They often last several seasons longer than softwood and offer better insulation for nests during cold spells.
Recycled plastic boxes are weatherproof and nearly maintenance-free. They don’t absorb moisture, which reduces rot, though they may retain more heat in full sun. They’re a good option for exposed gardens and coastal locations where timber might degrade faster.
Some decorative houses use metal or painted finishes. Be cautious: metal can heat up in direct sun, and some paints trap moisture. If choosing painted wood, ensure the paint is breathable and non-toxic — avoid painting the inside of the box.
Where you put a wildlife house is as important as the type you buy. Correct placement lowers stress for animals and increases the chance they’ll move in.
Most small bird boxes do best mounted 6 to 15 feet high on a tree or post, with the entrance facing east or northeast to avoid prevailing westerly winds and afternoon sun. Bat boxes should sit 10 to 20 feet up in a sunny position. Hedgehog houses must be ground-level in sheltered, quiet areas.
Use proper fixings to prevent wobble — a loose box is a no-go for nesting birds. Mount boxes with screws and heavy-duty brackets or purpose-built wooden straps. Avoid nailing directly through a tree; use non-invasive straps where possible to minimize harm to the bark.
Add simple predator guards to deter squirrels and magpies: a metal entrance plate around the hole and baffle on the mounting pole can make a big difference. Position boxes away from dense cover that predators can use to ambush the nest.
Cleaning is essential for healthy nests and year-after-year use. It’s also something many new wildlife hosts forget, but a little care keeps your boxes attractive to wildlife.
Clean out bird boxes in late winter or early spring before the nesting season starts, ideally between February and early March. For bat boxes, minimal disturbance is recommended; only clean when absolutely necessary and avoid roosting seasons in spring and autumn.
Open the box, remove old nesting material, and brush the interior with a stiff brush. Avoid strong disinfectants — a weak bleach solution can be used sparingly for extreme infestations, but rinsing and thorough drying is important. Replace any damaged perches or fixings.
Are cheaper boxes good enough? It depends on your goals. If you’re putting up a few boxes to encourage common garden birds, budget models are fine. But if you want longevity, species-specific design, or to support conservation, spending a bit more on a premium or handcrafted box pays dividends with better materials and thoughtful construction.
If your project is experimental — testing which birds visit or you’re covering a large area — start with economical boxes. They let you trial placements without a big outlay.
Premium boxes use thicker timber, better ventilation, predator-proofing, and species-appropriate dimensions. They last longer and often come with detailed guidance from the maker, which helps first-timers get setups right.
For the environmentally minded, choose houses made from sustainably sourced timber or recycled materials. Buying from conservation organisations or small local makers often supports habitat projects and ensures designs are wildlife-friendly. Look for FSC-certified wood or products explicitly supporting charities for extra peace of mind.
Want to target blue tits, starlings, bats, or hedgehogs? Match the house to the species and tweak the surroundings. For example, planting native shrubs and leaving a patch of long grass near a hedgehog house gives nighttime foraging opportunities, while a bat-friendly garden benefits from leaving some dead wood and keeping insect-rich areas.
Use boxes with 1 1/8 to 1 1/2-inch holes, mount 6 to 10 feet high, and avoid direct sun. Provide dense shrubbery or hedges nearby for cover and short flights to feeding areas.
Install bat boxes 10 to 20 feet up on warm walls or trees with morning sun, and keep the area free from bright artificial light. Nearby ponds and insect-rich planting increase success.
Measure where you plan to mount the box and imagine its exposure to sun and wind. Read product specs for entrance sizes, internal dimensions, and material thickness. If unsure, choose a design recommended by conservation groups or buy from specialist makers who provide species advice. And remember: a well-placed, well-made house will be noticed — patience is key.
Bird and wildlife houses are a small investment that can return years of enjoyment and real benefits for local nature. Whether you shop at mainstream DIY retailers like B&Q or Homebase, department stores like John Lewis, or specialist outlets like the RSPB shop, there’s a perfect box out there for every garden and every budget. Focus on the right type for your target species, choose durable materials, and mount the box in a sheltered, safe spot. With a little care and attention, your garden can become a thriving wildlife haven.
| Bird & Wildlife Houses - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Mini bihotel | kr. 20,- | |
| Insekthus | kr. 50,- |
