It is very rewarding when you see different birds visiting your garden to feed. As well as helping the survival of garden birds, particularly in winter months, encouraging them into your garden has a therapeutic effect and is known to reduce stress levels in people of all ages.

Take Advice from the RSPB

The RSPB has issued advice on feeding garden birds seasonally. During the summer months, they suggest pausing the use of seeds and peanuts between May and October due to a disease called trichomonosis. They still recommend fat balls, suet and mealworms if you'd like to keep feeding. During the winter months, from November to April, all feed can be used. A pond is the best way to provide water for birds and other wildlife. Why not try creating a mini pond?. For full guidance, please refer to the RSPB advice.

Choose the right food for the right feeder

Most seeds can now be purchased in specialist mixes. However, to encourage different birds you can purchase individual seeds; we love Nyjer seeds which are small and black with high oil content. They need a special feeder but it is worth investing as these little seeds are a particular favourite of colourful Siskins and Goldfinches.

Sunflower seeds are an excellent nutritional food and enjoyed by most garden bird species. Better to use these in a feeder rather than a table as the larger birds will take over.

Peanuts, high in fat, are popular with Magpies, Tits, Greenfinches, House Sparrows and may even attract Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Siskins. However, feed with caution. Use a specialist peanut feeder and do not feed during the breeding season.

Tips:

• If you want to attract goldfinches, add some sunflower hearts
• Substitute lard for peanut butter to attract Robins – add mealworms for an even higher chance of them becoming residents in your garden!

Attract unusual birds to your garden

Shy birds such as great spotted woodpeckers may visit for suet pellets or blocks. Hang suet feeders near shrubs and trees so cautious birds have cover close by.

And finally

One of the best ways to support garden birds in the long term is to provide plants that help them find their own food. Fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants – such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. For a small garden or front doorstep, plants can be in a container, or for a larger garden, try adding some native hedging to provide shelter and a food source.