Kestrel Nest Box - Wildlife-Friendly Nesting for Britain’s Hovering Hunter

Once a familiar sight hovering over roadside verges and open fields, the kestrel is now declining fast across much of the UK. Estimates suggest the population has fallen from over 100,000 pairs in the 1970s to fewer than 40,000 today - making suitable nesting sites more important than ever.

Our Kestrel Nest Box has been designed by experts to closely match the nesting preferences of this iconic raptor, providing a safe, dry and sheltered space where natural sites are increasingly scarce.

Made from precision cut FSC® certified exterior grade plywood, this kestrel box is treated with a non-toxic, water-based preservative that protects the wood while remaining completely safe for birds. The robust construction and thoughtful design ensure a long-lasting, weather-resistant nest site suitable for year-round exposure.

Designed with kestrels in mind

This kestrel nest box features:

• A deep 100mm canopy to protect the entrance from wind and rain

• A raised 100mm entrance lip, helping to keep eggs and chicks secure

• A spacious internal nesting chamber

• A sturdy perch, allowing adults and fledglings to rest and survey their surroundings

The box is supplied right-handed as standard, with the mounting strip and perch positioned accordingly. If required, it can be made left-handed on request, allowing flexibility depending on your chosen site.

Where to site your kestrel nest box

Kestrels favour open landscapes with wide views - farmland, meadows, rough grassland, coastal edges and large open commons. The box should be mounted high up on a wall, mature tree or sturdy pole, with a clear flight path and good visibility across the surrounding land. Ideally, position the box facing away from prevailing wind and heavy weather.

As with all birds of prey, kestrels may take time to investigate and adopt a new nest site. Patience is key - installing a box helps ensure suitable habitat is available when they need it.

Are kestrels less likely in urban areas?

Generally, yes - but with nuance.

• Kestrels are primarily birds of open landscapes, hunting small mammals by hovering over grassland.

• Dense urban areas usually lack sufficient prey and open hunting space.

• However, kestrels do occur in towns and cities where there are:

  • large parks

  • railway corridors

  • brownfield sites

  • riversides

  • urban fringe farmland

• Joel says:

  “Kestrels need space - big skies, open ground and a clear view of their hunting territory. This box gets the fundamentals right, but siting is everything. If you’ve got open countryside, meadows or rough grassland nearby, this can make a real difference.”

Built responsibly, for long-term wildlife benefit

This kestrel nest box is constructed from FSC Certified exterior grade plywood, sourced from responsibly managed forests. Precision-cut panels ensure a snug, draught-free structure, helping to maintain a stable internal environment for nesting birds.