Handcrafted Owl Boxes
Built for owls, shaped by experience
Providing suitable nesting sites is one of the most practical ways we can support owls and other cavity-nesting birds. As natural nesting opportunities decline, well-designed nest boxes can provide a safe place for owls to raise their young.
The owl boxes I build have been developed through practical conservation work, including installing, monitoring and maintaining nest boxes as part of owl conservation projects. The designs have been refined through experience using boxes in real-world environments, including conservation work on Salisbury Plain.
Each box is individually handcrafted using durable materials and thoughtful design features, creating a safe nesting environment while also making inspection and maintenance easier for those caring for them.
Whether you are looking to encourage owls on your own land, support local wildlife or provide a new nesting opportunity, handcrafted owl boxes are available to order. I can also provide advice on choosing the right design, location and positioning to give your box the best chance of being used.
Crafted for durability
A nest box needs to do more than provide a place for birds to breed. It needs to withstand the challenges of being outdoors while providing a safe, dry and secure environment for the birds using it.
The design of my owl boxes has been refined through practical experience installing, inspecting and maintaining boxes in the field. Every element has been considered with both the needs of the birds and the practical realities of conservation work in mind.
Each box is handcrafted from 12mm marine plywood, with solid brass fittings and a protective coating applied both inside and out to help protect the timber from the elements and support the long-term durability of the box.
Design features such as internal battens help strengthen the construction, while the flush-fitting access door makes inspection and cleaning easier. Barn Owl boxes also incorporate a corridor-style entrance, helping to keep young birds safely inside the box as they develop while reducing the risk of predation to eggs and chicks.
The result is a robust, practical nest box designed to provide owls with a secure place to breed while allowing those monitoring them to carry out essential checks and maintenance.
Handcrafted owl boxes made to order
Each owl box is handcrafted to order and designed around the needs of the species it is intended for. The designs I produce are based on practical experience installing, monitoring and maintaining owl boxes as part of local conservation work.
I currently make boxes suitable for Barn Owls, Tawny Owls and Little Owls, with each design reflecting the different nesting behaviours and requirements of the species.
Boxes can be made as standalone units or adapted to suit specific locations and requirements. If you are unsure what type of box is suitable, I can also provide advice on positioning, installation and habitat considerations to help give the box the best chance of being used.
And sometimes the owls have other ideas. I installed the box pictured here at my home, and it was occupied in its very first breeding season. Although designed for Tawny Owls, a pair of Barn Owls chose it as their nest site and successfully raised six young. Once it became apparent that Barn Owls had taken up residence, I added the platform to help keep the developing chicks safe. I had the privilege of ringing the chicks and later watching them fledge around my home — a wonderful reminder that while each box is designed with a particular species in mind, the owls don’t always read the manual.
Built with quality materials and careful construction
Every owl box includes:
12mm marine plywood
Strong construction chosen for durability and suitability for outdoor use.
Protected inside and out
Each box is coated with preservative internally and externally to help protect the timber from exposure.
Internal battening
Internal battens are glued and screwed in place to strengthen the structure.
Solid brass fittings
Durable hinges and fixings selected for their suitability for outdoor conditions.
Felt-covered roof
An additional protective layer helping to shield the box from rainfall.
Designed for maintenance
Access features allow boxes to be inspected, cleaned and maintained as part of ongoing monitoring.
Owl boxes available to order
Barn Owl Box - £150
Designed specifically for Barn Owls, these boxes provide a secure nesting space with a protected internal area and entrance corridor. The corridor helps keep young birds safely within the protected nesting area until they are sufficiently developed, while also reducing the risk of predation to eggs and chicks.
Tawny Owl Box - £120
Designed for Tawny Owls, these boxes provide a suitable cavity-style nesting site for this species. The design offers a secure space for breeding while allowing access for monitoring and maintenance when required.
Little Owl Box - £120
Designed for Little Owls, these smaller boxes provide a suitable nesting cavity for this species, which naturally uses cavities in old trees, stone walls and farm buildings where suitable nesting sites are available.
All boxes are made to order, so if you have a particular location, installation requirement or conservation project in mind, please get in touch. I can help advise on the most suitable design and discuss any specific requirements.