Get ready for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s biggest wildlife survey – returns on January 27th – 29th and British Garden Centres is encouraging you all to get your gardens ready for a weekend of observing our favourite feathered friends.
Research by the RSPB has shown that 8 million birds have disappeared from UK skies in the last 50 years, making this annual survey an important event to protect our garden birds for generations to come. All you need to do is set aside an hour to relax in your garden, balcony, or park and record the birds that come and go.
We have an extensive range of bird care products to choose from – ranging from bird feeders, and nest boxes to high-energy, nutritious and tasty bird foods. Sunflower hearts, Nyjer seed, and suet treats will draw different avian visitors to your chosen outdoor space.
The Birdwatch is a great family activity to get involved in and get children engaged with nature and the world around them. With the cold, winter weather we are experiencing, birds will be visiting our gardens seeking food and shelter, so it is important to put food and water out to keep them thriving and healthy. Our friendly team has put together some tips to take care of our garden birds during the cold snap and to make them regular visitors for the Birdwatch and beyond:
The most important thing we can do to help care for and feed our garden birds is to supplement their diet over winter with a bird seed mix that includes essential fats, nutrients, and protein. As well as seed, high-energy suet treats are an important source – why not have a go making your own with lard, bird seed, and dried currants to hang in your garden?
You will need:
- Lard
- Raisins, sultanas, or currants
- Birdseed
Simply, melt the lard in a saucepan before mixing in the fruit and bird seed. Put in the fridge to cool before shaping into a ball or cutting into a chosen shape. Hang in the garden and watch the birds enjoy!
Water is also an essential source for birds over winter, especially when there are frosts, and their supply may be frozen. A bird bath or dish with sloped sides is ideal to drink and bathe in. You can prevent the water from freezing by a simple addition of a ping pong ball floating on the surface.
Introducing a bird box to your garden will make a significant difference and protect from both harsh weather and predators. Providing warmth and a place to nest will also encourage garden birds to hatch and raise their young, bringing a family to your garden to enjoy.
