Brits are being told of several ways to make their outdoor space more bird friendly this summer. Garden experts from GardeningExpress are sharing their top tips for creating a garden that is attractive to birds. Key elements include providing food, shelter, and water which are all essential for encouraging birds to visit.Incorporating plants that offer food sources like berries and seeds or produce nectar is a great place to start.Shrubs and hedges, like holly and yew, are also important because they provide shelter and nesting sites, creating a space where birds can retreat after foraging and hide from predators.Providing fresh water in a bird bath, where birds can drink and bathe, also plays a vital role in encouraging them to return regularly to your garden. Just make sure that you replace the fresh water each day to prevent disease from spreading.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress commented: “Birds are naturally drawn to places where they can quickly find nutrients and shelter, so incorporating a variety of plants into your garden can greatly increase its appeal to birds. Plants should vary from food bearing varieties and hedges or shrubs that offer protection from predators and harsh weather, helping to keep birds nearby. Choosing native shrubs, trees, and flowers offers the most effective support for local wildlife.”
5 ways to create a bird friendly garden:
Create shelter
Birds need shelter to rest, nest, and hide from predators. You can help by adding dense shrubs and evergreen bushes, like holly and yew, to your garden to create natural hideaways. Also, consider placing a birdhouse or two in quieter corners, and add a handful of leaves or moss to encourage them to settle in your garden.
Supply fresh water
Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, so adding a bird bath to your garden is a brilliant idea. Place it in an open spot where birds feel safe, but close enough to some cover for a quick escape from predators if needed. Just be sure to top it up regularly, especially during the warmer months.
Provide food
Supporting local birdlife with food is a lovely way to invite them into your garden. Planting seed, berry and fruit-bearing plants will offer birds a natural food supply. This could include honeysuckle, elderberry and poppies. You can also include shop bought seeds, nuts, and dried insects in a bird feeder, just make sure to keep a clean bird feeder to prevent illness.
Don’t forget about ground-feeding birds
Some birds such as blackbirds and robins feed on the ground rather than on bird tables or feeders. These birds tend to rely more on worms, beetles and other insects found in the earth so you may want to leave a patch of bare soil for them to forage.
Encourage insects
Insects are a vital part of many birds’ diets, and you can attract them by planting a variety of flowering plants rich in nectar, pollen, and vibrant colours. This not only supports insect populations but also provides birds with a natural food source, encouraging them to return to your garden.
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