Knowledge base: Nest boxes and nesting birds
When can I clean out a nest box?
Between 1 September and 31 January. The BTO says “Bird Protection Law permits the cleaning out of nests between 1 September and 31 January.” Outside that window, and at any time while a nest is in use or being built, leave the box alone.
What the BTO says
- Clean out between 1 September and 31 January.
- Any dead eggs must be destroyed promptly. They cannot be kept or sold.
- Leave nests of sparrows and other species that raise more than one brood until autumn.
Why the law matters
In England and Wales, section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird “while that nest is in use or being built”, or to take or destroy an egg of any wild bird. Scotland has its own version of the section, which also covers reckless acts. More on that in can I remove a bird’s nest?
GOV.UK’s list of wildlife general licences includes one titled “licence to remove abandoned or unsuccessful eggs” (GL12). If you think you need it, read its conditions on GOV.UK first; Finchwold has not summarised them here.
Sources
- BTO: Putting up a nest box, opened 14 November 2026.
- legislation.gov.uk: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 1, opened 14 November 2026.
- GOV.UK: General licences for wildlife management, opened 14 November 2026.