Nature features

You've got your nest box, the birds have booked the removal men so it's time to put it together, and find a suitable place to put it. Easy? Well, the first bit is - provided you take all the relevant safety precautions! But where to put it…

As this amusing but informative little film shows, if you follow the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's three golden rules, you'll soon have a family of birds inhabiting your nest box.

• Make sure the nest box is between 3 and 5 metres from the ground. This helps prevent squirrels, cats and other predators from getting to box.

• The nest box should be positioned so that the entrance is facing north to north-east, away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight.

• Don't put your nest box too close to other nest boxes or bird tables, or any territorial nesting birds will be most unhappy!

Finally, make sure birds keep coming back year after year to use your nest box by having a little clear-out once the chicks have left. Perhaps wait until September or October to be sure. Then, take out the old nest material and wash out the nest box - but don’t use detergent, hot water will do. Put up the nest box again the following January or February and wait for the pitter patter of tiny clawed feet!