WE all love to see and hear birds in our gardens. 

They aren’t just beautiful; birds play an essential role in the world’s ecosystems and directly impact on our mental and physical health.

Unfortunately, bird numbers in the UK are in sharp decline, for example, tree sparrows by 95 per cent, song thrushes by 56 per cent. There are many reasons why bird numbers are declining including a loss of suitable nesting sites in urban areas.

One reason for this loss is our preoccupation with everything looking ‘neat and tidy’. This has two consequences: Firstly, nowhere to nest safely. Secondly, no natural food sources near to the nest site.

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What can we do to help our nesting birds?

Trees with cavities are particularly useful for nesting birds. In our gardens there may be plenty of food for small birds but nowhere for hole-nesting birds to nest. Of course we have to consider safety, but whenever possible we should keep older trees for our feathered friends.

A dense hedge can act as a natural nest site as well as providing useful food.  You might consider having ivy; it is rarely as harmful as you might think and can in fact be incredibly beneficial to all kinds of wildlife including bees. 

A simple solution is a bird box. Having a bird box in your garden is a great way to attract all kinds of birds. It is also enjoyable and very rewarding to watch the birds and their fledglings.

Regular residents include blue tits, sparrows, robins and house martins.

Bird boxes are available from Worcester Environmental Group (theweg.org.uk). Our bird boxes are made to RSPB plans.

All money raised goes towards environmental projects in Worcester.

For details, contact Paul Snookes on 07742 111239.

Bird boxes are also available from the NHBS online shop and the RSPB online shop.