Prepare your garden for spring

Choose protein-rich, easy-to-digest options such as:

• Mealworms for robins, blackbirds and wrens
• Sunflower hearts for high energy without waste
• Suet pellets and suet blocks for concentrated fuel
• Premium seed mixes for a balanced diet

Keep feeders topped up consistently to make your garden a trusted feeding spot.

Winter weather can be hard on feeders. Spring is the ideal time to:

• Replace worn or damaged feeders
• Upgrade to squirrel-resistant designs
• Add specialist feeders for peanuts or nyjer seed
• Deep clean feeding stations to maintain hygiene

Clean feeders protect bird health and encourage regular visits.

As the weather warms up, fresh water becomes just as important as bird food. Birds need safe, reliable water for drinking and bathing, especially during the busy breeding season. Adding a bird bath to your garden helps:

• Keep feathers clean and in top condition
• Support hydration during dry spells
• Attract a wider variety of garden birds
• Create a natural focal point in your outdoor space

Position your bird bath in a visible, sheltered spot and refresh the water regularly. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your garden even more welcoming this spring.

Birds start scouting for nesting sites as temperatures rise. Installing nest boxes now increases your chances of occupancy. Choose from:

• Small-hole nest boxes for blue tits and great tits
• Open-fronted designs for robins and wagtails
• Predator-resistant models for added security
• Durable wooden nest boxes built for British weather

Position in a sheltered, quiet spot away from prevailing winds.

Pollinators and beneficial insects are essential for a flourishing garden. Spring is prime time for solitary bees to search for nesting spaces. Installing bee and insect hotels helps:

• Support vital pollinators
• Improve fruit and flower production
• Encourage natural pest control
• Boost biodiversity

Place bee hotels in a sunny, sheltered position facing south or south-east for best results. Combine with wildlife-friendly planting to create a complete habitat.

Spring brings movement across your whole garden. Hedgehogs emerge hungry, squirrels are on the go, frogs return to ponds, and ducks begin nesting near water. You can lend a helping hand with:

• Hedgehog food and safe feeding shelters
• Dedicated squirrel feeders and nutritious squirrel food
• Frog and pond shelters for safe breeding spaces
• Proper duck food instead of bread

A few thoughtful additions create a more balanced, wildlife-friendly garden, and far more to enjoy as the season unfolds.