Make a bird nest material holder
Help your local birds by creating a nesting material holder. This provides safe, natural materials that birds can collect to build their nests during breeding season.
Last edited: 04/12/2025
Before you get started
Why this is important
From early spring to late summer, many bird species are busy building nests and raising young. By offering suitable nesting materials, you can make life easier for parent birds and it's also a great way to connect with nature and observe bird behaviour in your own garden or local area.
Supporting documents
Duke of Edinburgh Worksheet [2 hours]
Instructions
Carrying out your project
Items you will need
An empty wire bird feeder (a suet or peanut feeder works well)
Natural nesting materials, such as:
- Dried grass
- Dried leaves
- Moss
- Small, thin sticks or twigs
- Feathers (naturally moulted)
- String or wire to secure your feeder if needed
Avoid:
- Synthetic materials or plastics
- Long strands of wool or string
- Human hair
- Dog fur - this can contain flea treatments, which are toxic to birds.
Fill the feeder
Layer your natural materials inside the feeder. Pack them in tightly, but pull some ends through the holes so birds can easily grab them.
Hang the dispenser
Choose a safe spot to hang your dispenser in early Spring:
- High enough to be out of reach of predators
- In a tree or shrub that offers shelter
- Close to where you’ve seen birds nesting or feeding
celebrate your achievement
Be part of a million-strong movement for animals!
Log in or sign up to share how you've helped birds by sending us your work. Your contribution will inspire others to join our million-strong movement for animal welfare. You’ll receive an Animal Advocacy Certificate to celebrate your part in this shared movement to create a better world for animals.