How to turn your shed into a bird haven

How to turn your shed into a bird haven 

Homeowners are being encouraged to bring more bird species into their gardens by making easy upgrades to their shed.

The experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are sharing seven ways for Britons to turn their garden shed into a bird haven ahead of spring and summer.

Some birds are pollinators, meaning they improve garden ecosystems by helping lawns and plants to grow.

They are also predators of insects which could be a nuisance to plants and crops.

A spokesperson at Garden Buildings Direct said: “Looking after the birds in our garden is super important. Providing them with safe spaces, food sources and fresh water is the best way to keep birds in your garden, to encourage repeat visits and to attract a wide variety of species into your outside space.

“You can create bird-friendly spaces all over your garden – but your shed is really a great place to start.

“Turning your shed into a bird haven isn’t tricky or complicated. It can be by simply planting a couple of climbing plants and installing feeders on the outside of your shed.

“Those looking to go a step further and really help the birds could install their very own green roof or paint their shed to camouflage with the surroundings.”

Here are GarenBuildingsDirect.co.uk‘s tips to create a bird haven: 

1. Green roof

Not only will a green roof encourage more bird species into your garden, but it will also improve biodiversity, air quality and noise levels in your garden. The layers of soil and plants provide a food source for all sorts of garden wildlife.

2. Install a water feature 

A steady source of fresh water will help hydrate birds in your garden. Place one near your shed to encourage them to stay in your garden and make return visits.

3. Camouflage your shed 

Encourage more birds to your shed by making sure it blends in with the surroundings. Avoid painting your shed or outbuilding any bright colours that will make it stand out. Sticking to earthy tones is the best option.

4. Put up feeders

Use a variety of feeders and seed to attract different species of birds into your garden. Different size feeders are important, as small birds will eat from tube feeders while larger ones prefer hopper feeders.

5. Grow climbers 

To further disguise your shed, grow climbers and vines around the walls of the garden building. This will help encourage birds to come over and use the shed as a shelter.

6. Bird boxes

Bird boxes create secure nesting spaces for a variety of bird breeds. You can attach a number of bird boxes to your garden shed to help create safe spaces for the birds. Make sure to position them high up and try to face the entrance hole away from direct sunlight to encourage birds to use the spaces.

7. Keep their spaces clean 

Make sure to give all bird boxes a thorough clean every year. Fleas and parasites could be living in there and harming baby birds – so making sure the space is clean and safe is the best way to help bird species.