Nest and log boxes provide a relatively quick solution where wildlife hollows or wildlife cavities are needed. They can be constructed off-site and are quickly installed. They can easily be constructed to suit the target fauna species by adapting the inside cavity size dependant on species needs. Also the wildlife entry hole diameters can be adjusted to allow target species in and potentially block unwanted larger species if required.
Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks. For example; nest boxes constructed from wood last, on average, only 8-9 years. Many nest boxes are constructed from cheap marine ply and then painted to allow them to last longer in an outdoor environment. There is little known about the issues around if and how the chemicals in the glues and paint may impact resident fauna.
Additionally, the thermal properties of nest boxes and log boxes are quite different from natural wildlife hollows. A recent study showed that their internal cavities mimic the outdoor temperature more closely – i.e. the living cavity gets warmer in hot weather and colder in cool weather than a natural wildlife hollow. Log boxes do tend to have a thicker insulation that nest boxes and reduce this temperature variation somewhat.
Recent works with nest box construction is providing better options including insulated layers and the use of composite plastic materials such as the “Habitech nestboxes”. There is also a project running using 3D printed boxes targeting Powerful Owls.
Some of the negative attributes around nest boxes and log boxes can be mitigated with good box design. Also our team of ecologists improve their attributes by siting the best location to minimise environmental impacts on the box and select the best site for targeted species occupation. In addition our Treetec arborists are also specialists in quality installation to improve the longevity of the box remaining a wildlife friendly home in the chosen tree for as long as possible.
Contact Treetec for more information on how to choose the right wildlife nesting habitat creation for your site. We use our expertise in a range of our wildlife services to provide the best option for your unique site and the wildlife species present.