Birds bring life, colour, and song to any garden. Beyond their beauty, they’re also beneficial, helping to control pests and pollinate plants. Here’s how to create a welcoming haven for birds in your UK garden:
1. Provide a Variety of Food Sources:
- Bird Feeders: Offer a range of seeds, nuts, and suet. Different birds prefer different foods, so variety is key. Consider:
- Sunflower seeds: A favourite of many birds.
- Nyjer seeds: Attracts goldfinches and siskins.
- Peanuts: A good source of protein, but use a mesh feeder to prevent choking hazards.
- Suet: Provides essential fat, especially during the winter months.
- Berry-Bearing Plants: Plant shrubs and trees that produce berries in autumn and winter, such as:
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): Provides berries and dense cover.
- Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): Beautiful berries that birds love.
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium): Provides winter berries.
- Insects: Avoid using pesticides! Encourage insects in your garden by planting wildflowers and leaving some areas a little wild. Birds will feast on caterpillars, aphids, and other insects.
- Kitchen Scraps (with caution): Small amounts of cooked rice, breadcrumbs, and cooked fruit can be offered, but avoid salty or processed foods.
2. Offer a Reliable Water Source:
- Bird Baths: A shallow bird bath provides a place for birds to drink and bathe. Clean it regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
- Ponds: A pond is a fantastic addition to any wildlife garden. Make sure it has shallow areas so birds can safely enter and exit.
- Water Features: Even a small fountain or dripping hose can attract birds.
3. Provide Shelter and Nesting Sites:
- Trees and Shrubs: Dense trees and shrubs provide shelter from predators and the elements.
- Hedgerows: A mixed hedgerow is an excellent habitat for birds, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites.
- Nest Boxes: Put up nest boxes of various sizes to attract different species. Site them in sheltered locations, away from direct sunlight and predators.
- Leave some areas undisturbed: Allow some areas of your garden to grow a little wild. This will provide cover for birds and attract insects for them to eat.
4. Protect Birds from Hazards:
- Cats: Keep cats indoors as much as possible, especially during dawn and dusk. Bell collars can help alert birds to their presence.
- Windows: Birds can accidentally fly into windows. Apply window stickers or decals to break up the reflection.
- Pesticides: Avoid using pesticides in your garden, as they can harm birds and their food sources.
5. Keep Feeders and Bird Baths Clean:
- Regularly clean bird feeders and bird baths with hot, soapy water to prevent the spread of disease.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Specific UK Bird Species to Attract:
- Robin: A garden favourite, attracted by mealworms and soft fruit.
- Blue Tit: Loves sunflower seeds and peanuts.
- Great Tit: Similar to blue tits, but larger and bolder.
- Blackbird: Enjoys berries, fruit, and insects.
- House Sparrow: A common sight, attracted by seeds and breadcrumbs.
- Goldfinch: Loves nyjer seeds.
- Wren: A tiny, insect-eating bird that prefers dense cover.
Creating a bird-friendly garden is a rewarding experience. By providing food, water, shelter, and nesting sites, you can attract a variety of birds to your garden and enjoy their beauty and song throughout the year!