New guidance issued for feeding garden birds

The RSPB have issued new guidance on feeding garden birds this summer. 

Helping birds and making our gardens or outdoor spaces a place where all wildlife can thrive is a really good things and it can't be denied that watching birds at bird feeders give us pleasure too, but some species, such as greenfinches, are experiencing serious declines because of a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers, such as at bird feeders.

The good news is that we can help by doing two simple things:

1. Feed seasonally - from now until 31st October only offer mealworms and suet and avoid peanuts and seeds

2. Feed safely - follow RSPB advice on cleaning and maintaining your feeders. Find out how to do this here

Another way you can help is by making your garden wildlife friendly with the kinds of plants that birds like, ivy is a great one as are sunflowers and teasels. Read more here

Putting out water for birds can be hazardous too unless you change it daily and keep your bird bath clean. Birds prefer to drink from ponds so if you have room for one, this could be a good Spring project.