January 2026
Caring for garden birds this winter
Whilst we’re hunkering down at home, working our way through the festive food overspill during January, spare a thought for our feathered garden friends during the toughest months.
According to the RSPB we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years.
With birds facing so many challenges, particularly during the winter months, we can all do a little something to help.
Why not take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch between 23-25 January 2026. Choose 1 hour that suits you and count the birds that you see in your garden, from your balcony, or in your local park. Submit your record online or by post. It’s completely free to take part and will help build a picture of how bird species are faring.
Encourage & help birds by providing food, fresh clean water & shelter in outdoor spaces,
Berrying/fruiting plants & seedheads provide natural food sources. Skimmia, Holly, Cotoneaster, Hawthorn, Ivy, Crab Apples & Teasels are just a few varieties which are invaluable throughout winter.
Winter flowering plants that attract insects are also great, such as Hellebores, Mahonia, Winter Jasmine & Witch Hazels.
Supplement plants with seeds, nuts and fat balls, which are calorie dense. Small birds use their fat stores rapidly during the coldest months.
Water sources should be kept clean and unfrozen.
Dense hedges, evergreens, bird houses & nest boxes provide shelter.
Don’t be too tidy in the garden, as seedheads, hollow stems, fallen leaves, twigs & moss are all useful nest making materials.