Built-in bird boxes can be an excellent way to support diversity and incorporate additional habitat into new builds or redevelopments. Some boxes are specifically designed to cater to certain species, while others are more generalist and are suitable for multiple species. Generally, bird boxes consist of a large internal cavity and an access hole in various shapes or locations depending on the target species. They can be made from a variety of materials, however, woodcrete (or woodstone, woodconcrete) is generally preferred due to its robustness, longevity and advantageous thermal properties.
As low impact, wildlife-friendly construction gains momentum, more choice is added to the market each day, and the range is extensive. We stock the largest range of integrated bird boxes in the UK, so here we provide an overview of our bestselling built-in bird habitats, discussing the types of boxes available and their benefits.
Integrated Swift Boxes
Swift populations have declined over recent decades due to changes in roof design and the choice of materials used to construct our homes and public buildings. This species typically uses existing holes, cracks and crevices to build their nests, especially those in old buildings, so built-in swift boxes are recommended to provide areas for these birds to roost. These boxes provide large internal cavities within the brickwork that can be accessed by horizontally elongated, often downward facing entrance holes. As colony breeders, it is recommended to site multiple swift boxes together, situated with a clear flight path. The boxes should be installed at a minimum height of 5m on a non-south facing wall and should have no less than 40cm between entrance holes.
Pro UK Rendered Build–in Swift Box (256322)
- Can be rendered over
- Woodstone material
- Long lasting and durable
- Built to match standard UK brick dimensions
- Installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over
- Only the discrete entrance hole is visible after rendering
- Long lasting and durable
- Woodconcrete
Manthorpe Swift Brick (242167)
- Long lasting PVC
- Blends into brickwork
- Available in six colours
- Visible area is the size of a standard brick
- Simple to install
WoodStone Build-in Swift Nest Box Deep (248390)
- Woodstone material
- Installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over
- Long lasting and durable
Integrated Sparrow Boxes
House Sparrow populations have undergone significant declines in previous decades and remain in a vulnerable state in the UK. As colony nesters, this species would benefit from boxes that are installed close together, or a larger, terraced box with multiple connected chambers. These built-in sparrow boxes consist of a durable woodcrete housing with a discrete entrance hole and a large cavity chamber (or alternatively multiple chambers) for nesting.
Mario Dual Chamber Sparrow Terrace (260169)
- Twin nesting chambers
- Durable and robust woodstone design
- Good insulative properties
- Removable front plate for cleaning
Sparrow Box Smooth Brick (197663)
- Made to order
- Unobtrusive design
- Can be supplied unfaced or with custom bricks
- Durable and robust materials
Vivara Pro WoodStone House Sparrow Next Box (210670)
- Durable and robust materials
- Can be integrated into the build or fixed to external walls
- Multiple chambers
- Removable front plate
1SP Schwegler Sparrow Terrace (185100)
- Durable and robust material
- Can be integrated into the build or fixed to external walls
- Removable front panel
- Multiple chambers
General Purpose Integrated Bird Nest Boxes
Built-in bird boxes have inclusive designs to cater for a number of bird species, and usually consist of a woodcrete nest box with a cavity space and a discrete entrance hole. These self-contained concrete nests are unobtrusive and are typically installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over for more pleasing aesthetics.
Woodstone Build-in Open Nest Box (217194)
- Woodstone
- Can be rendered over or installed flush to the outside wall
- Suitable for multiple species
- Durable and long-lasting
- Good insulative properties
Type 24 Schwegler Brick Nest Box (183018)
- Woodconcrete
- Can be rendered over or installed flush to the outside wall
- Suitable for multiple species, including tits, sparrows and redstarts
- Durable and long lasting
Vivara Pro Build-in Half Open Nest Box (257046)
- Manufactured to match UK brick standards
- Can be integrated into walls and rendered over, or can be mounted onto external walls
- Suitable for multiple species
Custom Integrated Bird Boxes
Bird boxes typically consist of a solid box made from insulating materials with an internal nesting space. They can be custom faced with a chosen brick type (or existing brick, wood, stonework or rendered finish) to allow for discrete installation and a better blend into the existing facade.
Terraced Sparrow Box Custom Brick Facing (218686)
- Made to order
- Suitable for three breeding pairs
- Unobtrusive design
- Can be faced to match your building
- Robust and long-lasting material
Starling Box Custom Brick Facing (197683)
- Made to order
- Large solid box made of insulating concrete
- Unobtrusive design
- Can be faced to match your building
For more information on bird boxes and how to choose them, read our Bird Boxes Buyers Guide.
Our full range of bird boxes can be found here.
If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.