Woodpecker nestboxes - advice please

[Clive_S]

Hi,

Having recently made both Green and GS woodpecker boxes as per the BTO guide, I am after advice on the need to fill them with polystyrene or rotting wood. I dislike the idea of polystyrene chips all over the place and would prefer to use wood but:

1) Is it necessary to fill the boxes to capacity or would maybe just 2/3 full be ok
?
2) Do they need 'filling' or would just a scatter of rotting wood at the base be sufficient?

Cheers for any help,

Clive

[Dogghound]

The entire box needs to be packed with dead/rotten wood to the lid, they will then excavate their own hole and chamber inside. You need to create a small depression where the hole is situated this makes the box more attractive to them. Although I would'nt get your hopes up woodpeckers rarely use nest boxes.

[Clive_S]

Thanks for the helpful advice. I have both species in my 'new' wood (created from an arable field 18yrs ago, so few rot holes as yet!). I realise it's a long-shot but if you don't try....

Cheers,

Clive