Which way should a nest box face?

Away from the weather rather than towards a particular compass point. The BTO’s advice is: “Make sure it is sheltered from prevailing wind, rain and strong sunlight.” It also says the front should be vertical or angled slightly downwards so rain does not get in.

What the BTO says about siting

• Shelter: out of the prevailing wind, rain and strong sunlight.
• Angle: the front of the box vertical or slightly downwards.
• Height: small-hole boxes are best placed 1 to 3 metres above the ground on tree trunks.
• Away from feeders: busy feeders nearby could disturb nesting pairs. The BTO does not give a set distance.

Where your garden’s prevailing wind comes from, and which walls get hard midday sun, is what decides the direction in practice. That is why there is no single answer that fits every garden.

Swift boxes are different

For swift boxes the RSPB does give a direction: a wall that faces north, east or somewhere in between, out of direct sunlight, at least 5 metres up. See where should I put a swift box?

Sources

• BTO: Putting up a nest box, opened 14 November 2026.
• RSPB: Create a high home for swifts, opened 14 November 2026.

Related on Finchwold

• Where to put a nest box
• Nest box guide
• Cats and garden birds