Prague 1 Installs Dozens of Nest Boxes: First Project of Its Kind in the City Centre

Prague’s city centre is placing greater focus on nature: As the first district administration of the metropolis, Prague 1 has launched a project to support birdlife. In cooperation with the Česká společnost ornitologická (ČSO), a total of 31 nest boxes were installed in selected green spaces in April.

Despite dense development and high visitor numbers, the centre of Prague provides a habitat for numerous bird species. With the project, Prague 1 aims to improve conditions not only for overwintering, but also specifically for breeding. The nest boxes are intended, among others, for tits, nuthatches, treecreepers, redstarts, starlings and jackdaws.

The boxes were installed at carefully selected locations, including Kampa Park, Vojan Park (Vojanovy sady), the Franciscan Garden (Františkánská zahrada), as well as the islands Slovanský ostrov and Střelecký ostrov, and Lannova Park. The selection of trees and locations was carried out in close coordination with experts in order to meet the needs of the individual species, while also making use of quieter areas within heavily frequented sites.

Foto: Praha 1

The project was initiated by the Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Kateřina Klasnová. The aim is to complement existing measures such as winter feeding with concrete steps to support reproduction. The technical implementation is handled by the district’s environmental department, while professional supervision and installation are carried out by ornithologists from the ČSO (Czech Ornithological Society). The regular cleaning of the boxes is also to be ensured by the organisation.

Foto: Praha 1

Nest boxes made of durable wood concrete are being used. The material is considered particularly resilient, offers good insulation properties, and protects the animals both from heat and from cold, as well as from natural predators.

According to the experts involved, the project has not only ecological but also social significance. In addition to protecting birdlife, it is intended to strengthen public awareness of nature in the urban environment. In the longer term, there are plans to involve the public more closely, for example through joint construction and installation activities.

Foto: Praha 1

At the same time, the city administration and experts are calling on the public to allow the animals sufficient peace during the breeding season. The new nest boxes could thus contribute in the long term to preserving biodiversity in the city centre and to integrating nature more strongly into the daily lives of residents.