Wacky and ornamental nest boxes dangerous for young birds, warns RSPB

People unwittingly picking up non-wooden and brightly-coloured boxes that could make baby birds more conspicuous to predators, says charity

A trend for brightly-coloured and inappropriate nest boxes endangers young birds, the RSPB warned on Friday.

The charity said it had received a rise in reports from the public over the past five years of wacky and ornamental boxes that put style over substance, such as ones in the shape of windmills and caravans.