The storms and high winds have devastated woodlands, and bird boxes attached to trees, houses, outdoor buildings and walls have fallen off and been destroyed. Storms and winds have also knocked out ground-level nests and nesting burrows.

Gardens make the most fabulous homes and community spaces for birds, and with the breeding season fast approaching, the wildlife charity is encouraging everybody to help our feathered friends by putting up a nest box in their garden, back yard or on their balcony.

The wildlife charity has nest boxes on many of its 60+ reserves however, a number of trees on its woodland reserves have suffered storm damage and its estates team and volunteers are now working to install more boxes on sites with the most damage.

As with human homes, nest boxes come in varying sizes as different species look for boxes that will comfortably accommodate the size of the adult birds, their eggs and once born, growing nestlings.

Nest boxes also need to be robust, able to withstand all elements, insulated, waterproof, with correct hole-size and no dangerous sharp edges, protruding nails, staples, unnecessary fixtures, or small gaps that may harm or trap residents.

Speaking about birds and the need to protect them, Duncan Hutt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Director of Conservation says: “A lack of natural nesting sites can limit the size of bird populations, so by putting up a nest box you will be helping to maintain or increase the numbers of birds in your area. 

"From barn owls and kestrels to tree sparrows, willow tits, swifts and house martins, they all need a helping hand right now.”