Page 50 • The HERALD • 9th January 2025 v KEEP ACTIVE, KEEP HEALTHY v DOWN THE GARDEN PATH • Patios • Driveways • Fencing • Decking Turfing • Artificial Grass • Gravel • Retaining Walls • Pressure Washing • Digger & Driver Hire And much much more…. Feel free to enquire Tel: 07955 586555 office: 023 8111 2905 Email: info@directlandscapingandtree-care.co.uk www.directlandscapingandtree-care.co.uk LANDSCAPING CREATE A WINTER WONDERLAND FOR GARDEN BIRDS Advice from British Garden Centres Bird survival during winter is essential for our feathered friends that bring joy to our garden. Did you know that nearly 60% of garden birds struggle to nd enough food in colder months? e harsh weather brings challenges like snow and freezing temperatures, which make food scarce. Winter can be a harsh time for birds, so providing them with the right resources is crucial. High-calorie foods like nyger seeds, sun ower seeds, peanuts, and suet cakes are essential for maintaining body temperature and energy levels. Remember, birds need about 30% of their body weight in food daily during winter. Sun ower seeds are great for larger birds like nches, while nyger seeds are perfect for smaller birds like gold nches. Mealworms are a great addition for insecteating birds, especially during colder months. To keep birds safe from larger garden wildlife, place feeders and shelters at least 10 feet away from hiding spots and keep feeders clean to prevent mould and bacteria. Water is just as vital as food, even in winter as birds need water for hydration and digestion. Bird baths are a fantastic way to ensure fresh water is always available, even in colder temperatures. Remember to change the water daily to keep it fresh and stop it from freezing over. Place your bird bath in safe, sheltered spots away from predators. Natural shelters like evergreen shrubs and trees provide excellent protection from wind and snow, and planting native plants like hollies and rowan trees will provide valuable berries for birds. Incorporating natural garden debris like logs and stones o ers foraging opportunities and makes your garden a more attractive space for birds. Nest boxes are a fantastic way to attract a diverse range of bird species to your garden and can also o er muchneeded warmth and protection. ere are two main types of nest boxes: holed and open-fronted. Holed boxes are ideal for smaller birds like tits and sparrows, with the size of the entrance hole determining which species can access it. Open-fronted boxes are preferred by ground-nesting birds like robins and song thrushes. Amy Stubbs at British Garden Centres said: “Creating a winter wonderland for garden birds is achievable with a few simple steps. By providing food, water, and shelter, you’ll support local wildlife throughout the chilly months.”Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 e RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 is taking place from 24th-26th January. Sit back, relax and watch your garden birds for an hour over one of the three days and report your ndings to the RSPB. For details of how to register to take part visit: www. rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=