Brits urged to prepare gardens for bird breeding season

With peak bird nesting season fast approaching, UK households are being encouraged to prepare their gardens and make them as bird friendly as possible.

Garden experts at Gardening Express are urging families to take simple steps to support nesting birds and protect their habitat.

With most UK bird species nesting between March and July, this is a crucial time for bird conservation – but many well meaning gardening activities, such as hedge trimming and tree work, can unintentionally disturb or destroy nests.

To help safeguard bird populations, families have been offered key tips on creating a bird friendly garden, from providing safe nesting spots to keeping feeders and birdbaths clean.

Chris Bonnett, garden expert and founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Birds are facing increasing challenges due to habitat loss, so providing them with a safe space to nest and raise their young has never been more crucial.

“Ensuring they have secure breeding spots, access to food and clean water, and protection from disturbances helps maintain healthy bird populations and contributes to biodiversity, especially as many species rely on us for shelter and nourishment.

“Planting the right plants and shrubbery, such as native species, can also provide essential food and shelter for birds during the breeding season.

“And if you’re planning activities like tree work, hedge cutting, or construction, it’s important to check for nesting birds and, if necessary, delay work until after the breeding season.”

Seven ways you can prepare your garden for bird nesting:

1. Provide nesting spots

Providing suitable nesting spots is one of the most effective ways to support birds during this crucial time of the year. Installing nest boxes in quiet, sheltered locations, away from direct sunlight and potential predators like cats, can encourage species such as blue tits, robins, and sparrows to settle.

If possible, leaving hedges, trees, and shrubs untrimmed will also offer natural nesting sites and additional shelter for birds seeking a secure place to raise their young.

2. Offer food and water

Ensuring that birds have access to food and water is another essential step in preparing a garden for breeding season. While natural food sources may be available, supplementary bird foods can help when they are expending extra energy to build nests and feed their chicks. Keeping bird feeders well-stocked with seeds, mealworms, and suet will provide vital nourishment for both parent birds and their young.

Additionally, having a fresh water source, such as a birdbath or shallow dish, will allow birds to drink and bathe, keeping their feathers in good condition and supporting their overall health.

3. Keep feeders and birdbaths clean

Regularly cleaning bird feeders, bird baths, and bird tables is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases among birds. Dirty feeders can harbour bacteria and mould, which can be harmful to birds, especially young chicks. Washing feeders with warm, soapy water and allowing them to dry before refilling will help maintain a healthy feeding area.

4. Avoid disturbance

Hedge trimming and tree work should be postponed until after the breeding season, as these activities can destroy nests and put chicks at risk. If there are known nesting sites in the garden, keeping a respectful distance and minimising loud noises nearby will reduce stress for the birds.

Pet owners can also help by keeping cats indoors at key times, particularly at dawn and dusk, when birds are most active and vulnerable to predation.

5. Use safe gardening practices

The use of pesticides and slug pellets should be avoided, as these chemicals can harm insects that birds rely on for food, as well as directly poisoning birds if ingested. Allowing parts of the garden to grow a little wild will attract insects and provide a natural food source for birds. Leaving leaf piles and twigs in corners of the garden can also supply birds with materials to build their nests.

6. Plant bird friendly plants

Growing a variety of native plants, shrubs, and trees will provide birds with natural shelter, nesting materials, and food. Berry producing plants like hawthorn, rowan, and holly offer a natural food source, while dense hedges and ivy provide excellent cover for nesting birds. Climbing plants such as honeysuckle and clematis can also create hidden nesting spots and attract insects that birds feed on.

7. Provide safe nesting materials

In addition to natural materials found in the garden, families can help birds by supplying soft nesting materials. Placing pet fur (free from chemicals), small twigs, or shredded natural fibre string in an accessible location can encourage birds to build their nests nearby. However, human hair and synthetic materials like plastic should be avoided, as they can tangle around birds and cause harm.