Environmental issues can feel overwhelming. As an individual it can feel hard to know what to do to help. Each month we will be looking at small changes we can all make, that can make a difference.
Helping Birds
Our Bird population is declining, loss of habitat, intensive farming, increased use of pesticides and fertilisers, and global warming are just some of the problems they face. We are going to look at small things we can do to help them.
With less wild areas, our birds have fewer resources to feed on over winter. Putting a feeder out over the coldest months can help them get when they don’t have natural resources.
Birds also need fresh water. On very cold days birds, puddles and streams are frozen. Putting a dish of water out for them and keeping it free of ice will help them when the temperatures are cold.
If you don’t have a garden, you can get feeders that stick on to you window with a sucker. If you have a group that you belong to, you could ask if you could make a feeding station for birds there.
If you have a garden, you could plan to grow some plants that would feed the birds over next winter. Plants like Teasel, Cotoneaster, Ivy, Holly, Rowan, Sunflower and Honeysuckle will all provide great food for birds. If you can create a wild area with long grass, let leaves rot instead of sweeping them up, pile up sticks and leave some wood to rot, you will encourage insects which also provide food.
More Ideas
Take part in the RSPB bird watch.
Start a birdwatching diary, write down what you see each week and draw some of the birds.
Make a feeder or seeded pinecone, see our craft section for ideas.
Find out if you have an RSPB centre near you and have a bird watching day!
