06/10/2026
Last season, we supplied and installed a number of Thermal Haven wildlife nest boxes for Landcare Victoria at Mineral Springs Reserve in Mt Alexander Shire.
The project was a great opportunity to demonstrate something we talk about a lot with Thermal Haven: A nest box is only useful if it can provide safe, durable habitat for many years.
We showcased Thermal Haven boxes against conventional plywood boxes and considered what happens over time. Plywood deteriorates, fixings rust and attachment points eventually fail. A box that starts out perfectly serviceable can become loose or fall from the tree as it ages, potentially creating a risk to the the public and wildlife using it.
While a durable nest box can cost more initially, the box itself is only part of the cost. There is also the cost of initial install (ideally by a qualified arborist), and possibly replacement or removal if the box fails. If a box lasts 25+ years rather than needing replacement every 5–10 years, the additional upfront investment can be well worthwhile over its service life.
Thermal Haven boxes are designed with longevity in mind. They are built to withstand the Australian environment and the realities of being installed in trees, reducing the need for ongoing replacement and maintenance.
The boxes also incorporate the **Steady Mount system**, using 250–300 mm SPAX screws and a sliding backing plate that allows the mounting system to accommodate tree growth rather than progressively restricting the tree.
At the first inspection, just three weeks after installation, Landcare used an Arboreye inspection camera and found a family of **Krefft’s Gliders** using some of the boxes.
Since then, TH boxes in the area have also been occupied by other species, including: Owlet Nightjars, microbats, Wood Ducks, Crimson Rosellas and Kookaburras.
It’s a good demonstration that well-designed, durable artificial habitat isn’t just about installing a box—it’s about creating a safe, long-term habitat solution that can continue working for decades.
