Veteran gardening presenter Alan Titchmarsh has shared four ways to attract birds to your garden this autumn, with tips on bird feeding, bird boxes, bird-friendly plants and bird baths as natural food supplies dwindle in winter
Alan Titchmarsh gave some advice about birds on his YouTube channel(Image: YouTube@GardeningWithAlanTitchmarsh)
Veteran gardening presenter Alan Titchmarsh has revealed four methods for Britons to encourage birds into their garden as autumn progresses and temperatures begin to fall. Alan, 77, is a long-standing member of the BBC Gardeners’ World team, but has recently begun sharing his expertise on his own YouTube channel.
It was on that platform this time last year that the Love Your Weekend host explained how we can make our gardens more welcoming to birds. Alan’s suggestions will also help support wildlife, who can face difficulties during the colder months as their natural food sources become scarce.
Tip 1: Install bird boxes
Alan’s first recommendation was to set up bird boxes in one’s garden. These small boxes are typically placed in trees, and provide protected spaces for birds to shelter.
Speaking on the subject Alan said: “At this time of year, in Autumn, although it’s not nesting time in terms of rearing young, it’s a very good time to give them some form of shelter, to allow them to roost to shelter at night.”
By roosting Alan meant to rest, and referred to some birds, such as blue tits and wrens, who may appreciate a bird box to do said resting.
Regarding where one should position their nest box, Alan advised: “There are a couple of things worth bearing in mind. Make sure it’s out of the reach of cats…so above head height generally. And the other is to put it in a sheltered spot.”
Tip 2: Install bird feeders
Alan’s second recommended measure was to set up bird feeders, small structures filled with food for birds to consume. Alan emphasised they were particularly important as winter approaches.
He said: “Because of the diminishing supplies of natural food, anything you can do to improve the diet of birds in winter is really worthwhile. Robins and blue tits in particular love balls of fat or lard you can get in a special container.”
While the bird table is a traditional bird feeding option, Alan pointed out that this was susceptible to being accessed by squirrels, so he explained he’d fitted some wire mesh to prevent those animals from getting in.
Tip 3: Introducing bird friendly plants
Alan’s third suggestion focused on incorporating plants into your garden that would be “friendly” for birds. He recommended that people should “plant things that they [birds] will find useful, particularly in terms of food”.
Regarding which type of plants, he continued: “At this time of year, berried plants give them lots of sustenance.”
One example he provided was a plant called the ‘beauty berry’, or Callicarpa. He said: “It looks artificial….Robins and sparrows love it. Stick it at the back of a border where it’ll be background for most of the year, but then, come autumn, look what it does.”
Alan also suggested the Firethorn, Cotoneaster horizontalis, hawthorn, Barberry, and Holly. Certain plants, such as the previously mentioned Holly, Alan noted could fulfil a dual function of supplying food for the birds, while also offering protection from predators.
Tip 4: Get a bird bath
Alan’s final suggestion was to either purchase or construct a bird bath. Bird baths are traditionally used by birds both for drinking and bathing.
On the importance of their use, Alan remarked: “Fresh water is as vital to birds in the garden as fresh food. That dual purpose thing means it gets mucky quicker. All you need is a flower pot and a saucer.”
Alan went on to recommend using silicon to ensure the saucer is firmly attached to the upturned flower pot, before placing some pebbles inside for the smaller birds. He explained that changing the water was as straightforward as emptying out the dirty water and refilling it with fresh.
Alan returns to the UK’s screens this morning (October 9) with Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh at 9.30am on ITV 1.
