Birds play a key role in protecting biodiversity, preventing erosion, keeping the water supply healthy, helping oxygenate the air and even turning pollutants into nutrients.

However, over recent years, we’ve seen a decline in the UK bird population including song thrushes, skylarks, lapwing and house sparrows, lesser spotted woodpeckers and willow tits that worries experts.

There are many ways you can reverse this growing problem and attract birds into your garden throughout the year. By feeding garden birds, providing a welcoming environment and ensuring they have safe places to nest, eat and drink, you can make a significant difference.

Food

Many households put up fat balls and bird feeders during the autumn and winter months to help ensure that garden birds can get through the cold nights. However, if we want to help local bird populations, we should aim to feed them a variety of food throughout the year so they can get the nutrients they need to thrive.

Place bird feeders throughout your garden and keep them topped up, providing a range of different feeds for different species.

Blue tits, finches and house sparrows love to nibble on sunflower hearts whereas robins adore fresh or dry mealworms. If you want to attract long-tailed tits, opt for bug nibbles and for thrushes, offer a fruity mix on the ground.

Whatever you choose, offer small amounts at a time to ensure it doesn’t go off. Also make sure you store it safely in an airtight container in a cool, dry room in your home or kept in your garden shed.

Shelter

Offer shelter to your garden birds and you’ll ensure they have a place to snuggle up in the winter, raise their young and hide from predators.

Make sure you include plenty of natural shelter in your garden including mature ivy, dense bushes, hedges and conifers and stacks of dead wood. The latter also provides an excellent place for those bug-hungry species to hunt for food.

Smaller birds such as tits and wrens also love cosy nesting boxes that will keep them snug and protected when the temperatures drop.

Water

Places for local birds to drink and bathe are also important, especially in winter. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do this- specially made birdbaths or unused waterproof containers will also do the trick.

Pop your chosen container anywhere you’d like to see them enjoying themselves, making sure that it’s easy to access and not exposed to common garden predators like cats. For added fun, include a small water feature that will tempt birds to visit your garden and ensure you’re changing the water frequently to keep it fresh and healthy.

During the winter months, also make sure the water source doesn’t freeze over;  use a small amount of boiling water from the kettle to defrost if needed.

Nesting

Another great way to support bird populations is to add nesting boxes to your garden. This provides a sheltered spot where birds can have their young, despite a decrease in natural nesting spots. You’ll also have the chance to experience the life cycle of birds and enjoy the excitement of discovering a nest full of chirping babies.

The nest box or site you choose depends on the type of bird you aim to attract:

• Classic nesting boxes: These are great for a wide variety of garden birds and feature a small hole through which birds can enter.
   
• Open fronted nest boxes: Birds such as robins and wrens love these spots. Position them close to the ground, but beware of predators
   
• Sparrow terraces: These nesting boxes offer several spaces for birds like sparrows who like to breed in colonies. Place them high up near the eves of your home.

Whichever type of box you choose, place it in a sheltered spot away from strong winds, direct sunlight and garden predators.

Predators

Whether you live in an urban zone or the countryside, predators such as cats, hedgehogs and birds of prey could pose a problem and undo all of your hard work. You don’t want to attract birds, only to have them served up as dinner!

The good news is that you can take steps to prevent this from happening.

If you have a cat, make sure you keep them inside when the birds are most active. You can also get them a collar and a bell to warn birds of their approach.

Also, make sure birdbaths and feeding spots are positioned far away from places where cats and other predators could hide. You could also consider installing a cat-proof fence or motion detector to keep your garden birds safe. 

Cleanliness

Bacteria and fungus could cause disease or even kill visiting birds if you don’t keep your garden equipment clean.

Protect them by cleaning your feeders, tables and baths regularly using warm soapy water. Then rinse with cold water and leave to dry. For added protection, consider spraying with veterinary disinfectant and throw away any uneaten food.

Not only can you make your garden a haven for wildlife but you can join the fight for wildlife on a larger scale here.