The official and trusted nest box of the British Trust for Ornithology

Ark CedarPlus™ Nest Boxes are the official nest box of National Nest Box Week, founded and supported by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

What is the Ark CedarPlus™ Open Fronted Nest Box?

The Ark CedarPlus™ Open Fronted Nest Box is a premium wooden bird box designed for open-nesting British garden birds such as robins, blackbirds, wrens, wagtails and flycatchers. Officially selected as the Nest Box of National Nest Box Week, it offers a safe, natural and long-lasting nesting space for species that avoid enclosed hole boxes.

Hand assembled in the UK from sustainably sourced English cedar, this open-fronted nest box combines durability, insulation and thoughtful design, without the need for paint, preservatives or ongoing maintenance.
See Product Specifications to choose which opening size is suitable.

What makes it better?

Many open-fronted bird boxes offer little protection from weather or predators. The Ark CedarPlus™ Open Fronted Nest Boxes are built differently.

Constructed from 19mm thick cedar panels, they provide far better shelter than thin timber alternatives, helping to shield nests from wind, rain and sudden temperature changes. Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture and decay ensures the box remains structurally sound for many years outdoors.

The deeper internal dimensions and carefully sized entrance slots create a balance between accessibility for birds and protection for nesting chicks.

Designed for species that won’t use hole boxes

Some garden birds instinctively avoid enclosed spaces. The open-fronted design of this nest box reflects natural nesting preferences, offering visibility and easy access while still providing a secure nesting platform.

Years of testing means the entrance slot is the optimal size to attract blackbirds, robins, flycatchers and occasionally even wrens. Providing them with the perfect home in which to raise their broods.

This makes the Ark CedarPlus™ Open Fronted Nest Box an ideal complement to hole nest boxes in mixed-species gardens.

Thoughtful design for long-term use

As with all Ark CedarPlus™ Nest Boxes, bird welfare and practicality come first:

• Hinged access panel for inspection and cleaning
• Deep internal cavity to reduce exposure
• 19mm thick cedar walls for insulation and stability
• Maintenance-free timber that weathers naturally

An aluminium fixing nail is included, allowing safe mounting on trees without damaging bark.

A natural fit for sheltered garden spaces

The clean, understated design blends effortlessly into gardens, walls and outbuildings. Open-fronted nest boxes are best placed in sheltered locations, where the box is protected from direct sunshine, wind and heavy rain, such as near hedges, ivy-covered walls or dense planting.

Siting and Positioning:
Suitable mounting surfaces:

• Trees
• Walls
• Sheds
• Fence posts

Recommended height: 0.5–1 metres (3–6 feet)

Recommended orientation: North, North-East

Avoid:
Direct midday sun
Prevailing wind
Rain

Can be installed year-round
(Late winter / early spring ideal for breeding season)

Entrance:

35mm suitable for: Wagtails & wrens
75mm suitable for: Robins
115mm suitable for: Spotted flycatchers & blackbirds

Material:
Long-lasting English Cedar

Dimensions:
Height: 370mm
Width: 160mm
Depth: 172mm

Weight: 1.5kg