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If you want your garden to feel alive, a birdhouse is like hanging a little welcome sign for nature. I’m talking about more than just decoration — a well-chosen nest box gives birds safe shelter, helps local populations thrive, and brings bird song to your backyard. Whether you live in a townhouse with a small patio or a country plot with mature trees, the right birdhouse can attract robins, tits, sparrows, and even wrens. And yes, it’s an easy way to add charm and purpose to outdoor space without a major overhaul.
Menkind has made a name for fun, giftable items, and their Post Box Bird House is a great example. It reimagines the classic red post box as a home for small garden birds, mixing novelty with practicality. If you like your garden to have personality — a wink rather than a generic box — this is the kind of piece that gets people smiling while giving birds a useful nesting site.
The charm here is twofold: design and durability. The post box shape blends nostalgia with functionality, and a good version will have weather-resistant paint and a protected entry hole. It’s not just pretty; a robust Post Box Bird House should include proper drainage, ventilation, and a predator-friendly entrance size. For many gardeners, it’s a conversation starter that still ticks the most important boxes for bird welfare.
If you’re shopping for birdhouses in the UK, you’ve got plenty of options. High-street DIY chains, garden specialists, gift stores like Menkind, and online marketplaces all stock nest boxes. Each source has pros and cons: big chains often carry budget-friendly and functional models, specialists offer higher-grade timber or species-specific designs, and artisan sellers on marketplaces like Etsy provide handcrafted, unique pieces.
B&Q and Homebase are go-to places for simple wooden nest boxes that do the job. They usually offer basic designs that are easy to mount and maintain, and you can often pick one up the same day. Wickes and similar DIY suppliers sometimes have sturdier timber options or kits you can build yourself if you like the hands-on route.
Dunelm, Wilko, and The Range bridge the gap between functional and decorative. You’ll find painted designs, cottage-style houses, and larger roosting boxes for winter use. These stores tend to offer good value for money and a wider range of aesthetics if you care about matching the birdhouse to the look of your garden.
Amazon UK and Etsy are treasure troves for variety. On Amazon you’ll see everything from cheap plastic designs to premium cedar boxes, plus fast shipping. Etsy and independent makers provide handcrafted, bespoke options — think reclaimed timber or hand-painted finishes. If you’re after an unusual piece (like a hand-carved Post Box Bird House), Etsy makers are often the place to look.
Not all birdhouses are created equal. Some are specialist homes for cavity nesters like blue tits and great tits, while others are open-fronted shelters preferred by robins and redstarts. Choosing the right type increases your chances of attracting the species you want to see.
Enclosed boxes with a round entrance hole are ideal for species such as tits, sparrows, and some small owls. A typical entrance hole might be about 1 1/8 inches to 1 1/2 inches in diameter for tits. Depth matters too — a floor around 6 to 8 inches from the entrance gives nestlings space and security. Position these boxes on a tree trunk or wall, about 6 to 10 feet high, and they’ll often be snapped up quickly in spring.
Robins and wrens prefer a more open approach. Open-fronted boxes or simple ledges mimic the natural nooks they choose. These are typically mounted lower than enclosed boxes, around 4 to 6 feet high, and tucked into dense shrubbery. If you want to attract a wider range of visitors, mix styles across your garden.
Material choice affects how long a birdhouse lasts and how comfortable it is for birds. Let’s break down the common options so you know what to expect when you buy.
Natural timber is the gold standard. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and smells pleasant to the birds; it’s a bit pricier but lasts longer than pine. Pine is affordable and does the job if it’s treated correctly, though untreated pine may need replacing sooner. Look for FSC-certified timber if sustainability matters to you — that ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Plastic boxes are weatherproof and cheap, but they can overheat in summer unless ventilated. Metal is very durable, yet it can be noisy and cold if not insulated. If you pick a plastic or metal option, check for good ventilation and insulation, or choose models designed specifically for wildlife use rather than novelty items that prioritize looks over bird comfort.
Even the best birdhouse won’t be used if it’s placed poorly. Mounting height, orientation, and predator guards all matter — think of it like choosing a safe neighbourhood for a new home.
For boxed species, mount nest boxes about 6 to 10 feet high on a tree trunk or wall, facing north-east to avoid the hottest direct sun and prevailing winds. Open-fronted boxes for robins should be lower, around 4 feet. Keep boxes at least 20 to 25 feet apart to reduce territorial conflicts. In narrow gardens, stagger heights and positions to make the most of limited space.
Small predators — cats and squirrels — can be an issue. Use metal entrance rings or elongated baffles to deter gnawing and enlarge roofs to block access from above. For house sparrows, which can dominate nest boxes, some people fit smaller entrance holes or use sparrow-exclusion boxes designed for blue tits. Predator protection increases nesting success and keeps birds safe.
Regular cleaning is essential. Think of it as spring housekeeping for your feathered tenants. Clear out old nesting material after each breeding season to prevent parasites and disease. A simple routine: open or unfasten the box, remove debris, brush out loose material, and leave the box to dry before re-securing. Avoid strong disinfectants — warm water and a stiff brush do the job without harming the wood.
Prices vary widely depending on material, design, and whether the box is handcrafted. Here’s a practical guide so you don’t get sticker shock when browsing online or in-store.
For around £10 to £25 you can pick up basic pine nest boxes or simple plastic designs from big chains like B&Q or Wilko. These are perfect if you need several boxes for a large garden or want to test locations without a big investment. They often require a little DIY — a coat of extra weatherproofing or a predator ring may help extend their life.
Between £25 and £60 you’ll find higher-quality timber boxes, decorative styles from Dunelm or The Range, and branded novelty boxes like Menkind Post Box Bird House. These usually have better finishing, pre-drilled ventilation and drainage, and sometimes removable roofs for cleaning. For most gardeners this is the sweet spot for value and durability.
Handcrafted cedar boxes, bespoke designs, or artisan painted models can be £60 and upwards. If you want a centerpiece for your garden or a long-lasting wildlife investment, this tier offers the best materials and craftsmanship. Etsy sellers and specialist wildlife suppliers often operate in this range.
Your birdhouse should reflect practical needs and your own taste. If you prefer a minimalist look, a simple natural timber box blends seamlessly. If you want a focal point, a painted Post Box Bird House from Menkind or a hand-decorated artisan piece can be the garden’s personality. Mix functional boxes with decorative ones — birds prioritise functionality, but you’ll enjoy both beauty and practical benefits.
Late winter to early spring is perfect for installing nest boxes, because birds scout for sites before laying eggs. Avoid disturbing active nests during the breeding season; you can spot activity by seeing nesting material or wing-beating at the entrance. During autumn and winter, boxes can double as roosting sites, so maintain them and keep them accessible for cold nights.
Want the short version? Check for proper entrance size, ventilation, drainage, durable materials, clean access, and predator protection. Measure mounting points and ensure the box matches the species you hope to attract. If you buy a novelty item, confirm it meets basic wildlife-friendly criteria — good looks are lovely, but function first if you care about birds.
Whether you pick up a practical timber box from a DIY store, a quirky Post Box Bird House from Menkind, or a handcrafted piece from an artisan, the most important thing is giving birds safe shelter. Mix styles, keep maintenance up, and you’ll soon notice feathered visitors turning your garden into a lively, cheery neighbourhood.
Happy birdwatching — and don’t forget your binoculars!
| Birdhouses | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Post Box Bird House | £ 17,- |
