Give your birds a tweet
Attract wildlife of the feathered variety into your garden by spoiling them
Birds are a crucial element of a garden’s ecosystem – they help flowers pollinate, reduce pests and even remove weeds – and more than 140 species have been recorded in British gardens. Whether you’ve got acres of land, a garden or just a small balcony, try these tips to invite birds into your outside space.
Think about their menu
Different species are attracted to different foods and feeders, so it’s good to cater for each diner’s needs. Tits, finches and house sparrows will flock to a hanging feeder, whereas blackbirds, thrushes and robins prefer feeding on the ground or on a bird table. Small birds will also tuck into seeds from tray feeders.
Clean water is crucial
Birds need a drink all year round and a good wash, too. Although moving water grabs their attention, nothing complicated is needed – a shallow container will let little visitors keep their feathers clean. Replace water every two to four days and get rid of any ice so it doesn’t freeze over. Cleaning food and drink sources with warm, soapy water will remove dirt and the risk of disease.
Plant bird-friendly shrubs
Bushes and sturdy trees make perfect nests. Establishing thick hedges such as hawthorn will allow you to enjoy the chirping of baby birds come springtime. But be careful not to disturb any birds as it may cause distress, leading them to abandon the site. Berry-producing shrubs will provide additional tasty treats, with rowan and honeysuckle proving popular.
Provide a winter roost
Plants give good shelter and nesting space, but the chilly season strips them bare. Provide a warm winter home by removing old nests and disinfecting empty boxes with boiling water. If necessary, General Licence permits unsuccessful eggs to be removed between September and January. Fill boxes with insulating materials such as clean hay and wood shavings to create a cosy refuge.
Plan ahead
Preparing for good weather is just as important as preparing for bad. Choose plants that peak throughout the year, forming a four-season habitat. Plan for brighter days, filling flower beds with sunflowers to give sparrows and finches a springtime snack, or sowing nectar-rich wildflower meadows to draw out insects for blackbirds and swallows to feast on.