For those who adore the charming robin redbreast and wish to see them return to their gardens time and again, there's one essential purchase you should consider – and it's conveniently easy to find.

The RSPB has crowned the robin as Britain's most beloved bird, and it's not difficult to understand the affection for these petite creatures with their bright eyes and endearing appearance. They're steeped in symbolism, often associated with good luck and prosperity.

Some even hold the touching belief that robins carry the souls of departed loved ones, making their visits an especially poignant and comforting sight.

However, attracting robins to take up residence in your garden can be a bit tricky. If you've noticed that these birds only make brief appearances, the issue might be with your bird box.

Robins may shun a bird box that doesn't meet their specific preferences in terms of shape or size, opting instead for other spots. To encourage these discerning birds to stay, gardening specialists advise investing in an open-fronted bird box.

Unlike traditional bird boxes, open-fronted designs have no front barrier, allowing robins unobstructed access without having to squeeze through a small opening to reach food.

Gardening guru James Ewens from Green Feathers shared with Ideal Homes: "Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits. What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view."

According to the expert, robins tend to be vigilant birds that prefer to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings, which is why they often "tend to nest lower to the ground."

When it comes to selecting a bird box for these birds, natural wood is the recommended material, as it closely resembles the habitats they would typically inhabit in the wild, such as log piles or tree hollows.

However, having the right bird box is only half the equation; the location where it is placed is equally crucial in attracting returning robins.

A north-east facing position is preferred by robins, so careful placement is essential. Moreover, as these birds are known to be introverted and territorial, it's vital to position the bird box in a secluded spot surrounded by vegetation, ideally in a quieter area of the garden.

The RSPB also advises encouraging robins in gardens by providing food, water, shelter, and suitable nesting sites. Specifically, they suggest offering ground-level feeding trays with mealworms, bird seed, and sunflower hearts, keeping the food supply consistent, and providing water in a birdbath.

They also recommend creating shelter with piles of logs and leaf litter and planting ivy, and offering open-fronted nest boxes for nesting and roosting. 

The bird box should also be installed at a height of at least 1.5 metres above ground level to safeguard the robins from predators such as cats, foxes, and rodents.

To create a cozy environment within the box, adequate insulation is vital. This can be achieved by filling it with materials like wood shavings, grass, or hay, making the bird box an inviting and snug space for the robins to call home.