How To Fit Green&Blue BirdBlock

How to fit the Green&Blue BirdBlock 

Thank you for buying a Green&Blue BirdBlock from us, it means so much to us to know that you're working together with us to provision for our native wildlife in your own home and that the BirdBlock you've bought will house Blue tits for many generations to come, the Green&Blue BirdBlock has been designed to last for some 50+ years so that you can be rewarded with seeing successful broods over many years.

And so we thought it would be helpful to put together some information for you to help with making sure that your BirdBlock is sited and mounted securely and effectively. 

In this guide:

  1. Choosing a position for your BirdBlock
  2. How to fit
    1. Surface Mounting Instructions
    2. New Build Instructions
  3. Fitting the front plate to BirdBlock
  4. Maintenance and cleaning

1. Choosing a position for your BirdBlock

Blue tits will use nest sites 2 metres off the ground. The BirdBlock can be used above ground level in external property walls, boundary walls or within landscaping
Choose somewhere on a north or east facing wall away from doors, windows and vents or under an overhang or the eaves, and away from predator access.

Positioning more than one BirdBlock

No minimum distance is required between the birds; two pairs of tits will happily breed right next to each other so you can use more than one box on a wall. 

2. How to fit

Designed to fit flush in a newly-built wall or surface mount

2.1 Surface mounting Instructions

Mount on your exterior wall using a fixing kit suitable for the wall type you are attaching the block to. If you haven't ordered a kit at purchase, you can buy one here.

If you need to stand on something, please be aware of fall risks. It's advisable to have a second person accompanying you to hold the ladder. 

  • Select a position away from any potential cables.
  • If attached, remove the front tile following the instructions below - this will be put on at the end.
  • The block has the TOP marked in bold lettering. Ensure that the bird nesting bowl is at the bottom and the metal clip is at the top.
  • Mark the position for the fixings on the wall through the holes in the rear of the box, levelling with a spirit level.
  • Select appropriate screws and plugs for your wall type. Remove the box and drill holes, fit with plugs or inner wall fixings.
  • Hold the box in place and screw in the fittings.
  • Replace the tile following the instructions below. 

2.2 New build Instructions

The BirdBlock has been designed to fit with a standard building block size for ease of installation. You will find that the depth of the block allows for an overhang at the front to allow the front to be rendered flush, and for the rear to sit within the wall cavity.

In coursework, lay the BirdBlock as you would a building block, level on the mortar and cut the partial building block to fill the space. You can sit the block forwards if it will be rendered up to or fit surrounded by cladding.

You can lay the block with the front plate on, we have made an instructional video for how to lever the clip so that it is securely fastened which you can watch here.

The block is marked with the top edge and the metal clip also sits at the top. The bird nesting bowl on the inside is on the bottom. Position the block with the TOP marked on the top edge, level with a spirit level and lay the next course as normal above it.

If cladding be sure to put the right size for the hole in your cladding. Consult with your construction professional to get the desired result with your chosen construction method.

3. Fitting the front tile to BirdBlock

To achieve a stable, close fit, we've designed the clip to give pressure to both the front and the back of the tile. We have put together a video here that you can watch first and then follow the instructions below 

Attaching the front tile

  • Place the bottom ridge in to the groove and hinge in towards the top
  • Take a piece of string and loop it through the front of the metal clip so that you are holding both ends in one hand
  • Lever the clip up and away to create sufficient clearance for the tile to push into place against the clip.
  • Gently lower the clip and remove the string. The clip will hold the tile in place snugly.

Removing the tile

  • Take a piece of string and loop it through the front of the metal clip so that you are holding both ends in one hand
  • Support the tile with your other hand and lever the clip up and away to create sufficient clearance for the tile to release
  • Lift the front plate out and put it somewhere secure

    4. Maintenance and cleaning

    Cleaning out the BirdBlock can only be done between September and January, remove any old nesting material and debris before replacing the front tile. Only attempt this work if you have appropriate means to access the block.

    5. Enjoy your BirdBlock and the nature it attracts!

    Keeping in touch with us 

    We would love to know the progress that you have with your BirdBlock! Please share your nature photos and videos either on social media or by email to info@greenandblue.co.uk