Time to do our bit for birds and wildlife
But winter is also a season when said gardens should be alive with the comings and goings of a multitude of birds because these small, green spaces can be the difference between life and death.
So every garden, whatever its condition, should have something to offer the birds.
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Hide AdMost people like to see the blue tits squabbling on the bird feeders; they also hunt for over-wintering insects – some beneficial, some not – and act like an environmentally-friendly pesticide.
Blackbirds are also beneficial, although I do sometimes wonder why they have to make such a mess, digging their way through the soil in beds and borders.
Some birds – like the sparrowhawk, for example – aren’t popular with all garden owners, but the meat-eaters helps maintain a healthy population of other birds by weeding out the old and infirm.
Each garden on its own may be small, but together they form a mosaic of habitats for wildlife. So, get in on the act – plant a small tree to provide food and shelter. To make things even more inviting, create a pond to act as a magnet for wildlife. And issue the invitation to all birds – put out food (and fresh water) every day, and they will come.