How to get birds to nest in my bird boxes

we had two families of blue tits last year, one in the box buried within thew clematis and the other in the box on the fence behind a weigelia bush. Neither of these boxes can be seen because of the leaves and flowers so they are perfect for blue tits.The only way we knew they were occupied was by spotting the parents flying in and out all day with food and the constant cheeping of the babies. Then one day nothing, no parents or cheeping and when we investigated they had gone just leaving nestings in the box. Really hoping they return this year.

We have had a nest in the climbing hydrangea I only knew it was there after the leaves had fallen. Thing is it's in the front garden so we would not see any activity.
I have one of the boxes on the fence next to a large shrub from the next doors garden, I thought it was an ideal location because lots of small birds gather in the shrub.
I've just found out though my field camera as picked up on two occassions two different cats in the garden at night.
We never see any in the garden during the day so this is making me think if this is the problem.

I’ve never had any success with nesting boxes, but we regularly had blackbirds nesting in our honeysuckle hedge, and as soon as the chicks fledged and left the nest, marauding cats would have them. It was heartbreaking. They gave up nesting in the end and we were glad, though I miss the excitement of listening for the babies when they hatched and seeing mum and dad going back and forth with food.

We don’t put any nesting boxes up, but always have birds here making their own little nests.? Blackbirds love the conifer hedge ( very thick and warm) and bluetits nest in the climbing hydrangea on a wall.

That should be high enough. Is it exposed or are there trees and shrubs nearby? Birds prefer a little bit of greenery/cover.

The fence is 7 foot is that not tall enough.

Your nesting boxes may be situated too low, so that birds feel unsafe there.

We put a little fence round our pond when the children/grandchildren were small, but it is a b****r to keep clean. Nice to have though. Got Marsh Marigolds out in it at the moment.

I am so jealous of all you people who have a nesting pr at home.
I do so love all the birds which visit our garden whatever size they are.
I have a 6"x20"x14" approx. plastic container full of water and some pebbles which the birds so love to bath in.
It's a delight to see them all enjoying it.
I would love a small pond but hubby says it's dangerous for the grandchildren and too much trouble to keep clean.

Thank you for your comments.
The one box which had babies was located in the west on a pergola.
All the other boxes are attached to my fences, east, north and west. Do you think it might be that?

Talking of fussy blue tits....We have six bird boxes and each year they behave like they've been on Right Move or Escape to the Country, sussing them out and taking ages to make up their minds.

I have given all our boxes names which DH thinks is daft. There is No. 65 because it was already stencilled on the side of the packing case he made into a box and I wouldn't let him paint over it.

The Pink House is.....pink! The Mansion is the large, posh RSPB freebie, Little Tree Cottage is on our smallest tree, Archway House is in a pergola arch and the Newbuild, affordable house is just outside the lounge window. It was quickly snapped up and you can just see a little face peeping out!

The entrance to the bird box should not face direct sunlight so not south facing.
Our birds prefer north-west facing boxes. Fussy lot!

Check online for the correct diameter of the holes. Garden bird boxes are normally inhabited by blue tits. This year we have an influx of sparrows. They're obviously making a comeback which is good but they bully tits away from nesting sites even though they are too big themselves for the holes in the boxes.

Do you or your neighbours have cats?

Some birds are very fussy, particularly blue tits, they will visit several boxes with nesting material before deciding which to occupy.
The boxes should not face south or south west, the afternoon sun is too hot. They also like some cover from trees.
We have had some boxes that remained empty for a couple of years, but then occupied once and every year after.

Are they facing in the right direction? Apparently that is important. Bird feeders nowhere near the nest boxes? We have a pair this year, but this the first time for two or three years. Perhaps it's just down to luck.