Bird-Friendly Garden Landscaping

Whether you’re hoping to kickstart a new hobby in birdwatching, or are looking to do your bit in reversing the decline of certain species, a bird-friendly garden design can work wonders for you and your feathered friends.

Creating a bird-friendly haven in your own garden is bound to bring them flocking, but what exactly can you do to improve your garden and attract more birds? Here are a few helpful tips from the experts at Kennedy Wild Bird Food, on what birds are looking for when choosing the perfect place to perch.

Plant a variety of familiar plants

As bright and quirky as exotic plants can be, you might be surprised to hear that they can sometimes deter birds from visiting your garden. Instead, opt for planting a variety of plants that are native to the UK, as birds will recognise them and feel safer being around them. They will also be able to recognise which of these native plants provide nutrition to them, whereas they might be more wary of plants they have never seen before.

Incorporate different levels into your garden

Be sure to plant a mixture of plants, flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees to display a more natural environment that your birds will naturally be more attracted to.

If you’re hoping to attract a variety of birds to your garden, it’s best to have various levels that they can use to forage. These also act as a safe place away from other animals that come visiting. Try to create a tiered design so that the birds can quickly pick and choose which levels they are happiest with.

Add in plants for all seasons

You’ll want to make sure that there is a variety of different additions to your garden that keep the birds visiting all year round. Make sure you have a nice balance of plants that provide a food source throughout spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Create a specific area for the birds to enjoy

Invest in a bird feeding station, a bird bath and maybe even some bird houses, and create a space in your garden that provides birds with the ultimate short stay. It’ll be just like us enjoying a spa day or weekend away, but for birds!

Opt for natural fertilisers

As much as we want to see our gardens flourish, it’s vital that we try to do this in a way that doesn’t harm the birds. Swap your potentially harmful fertiliser to one that’s natural and organic, so that your birds can make the most of your garden in a happy and healthy manner.

What are your tips for creating a bird-friendly garden?