Encourage robins to your garden this Christmas

06.12.2023 - 14:35 / theenglishgarden.co.uk / The English Garden

Robins can lose up to 10% of their body weight keeping warm over a single winter’s night. With reports that the La Nina weather system may bring harsh cold spells in winter 2022-23, added to the problem of disappearing food sources and habitats over the UK, robins – and other garden birds – could do with some support this season.

Suet pellets are a high fat option

Food sources for garden birds have been in decline with the loss of an estimated 50% of our hedgerows in the last few decades, and continued mismanagement of the critical food sources for native birds.

Without supplementary bird feeding in gardens, up to half of robins could die of cold and starvation over the winter months. Find Sean’s supplementary feeding tips below.

Robins prefer to forage and feed off the ground. By placing a small food tray full of their favourite food close to a shrub or tree, you can encourage them to make your garden home and spend more time with you.

Why not try Ark Wildlife’s robin feeder pack to get started? Feeding from the hand is not unheard of, after a little acclimatisation time.

Robins often use nest boxes as shelter

Birds cluster together during very cold spells to share warmth. They often use nest boxes as shelter, so the best way to provide a cosy nest is by putting up a suitable box. These will be used as night roosting sites as well as for spring nesting.

Nest boxes should be placed at least 2m from dense vegetation in order to prevent surprise attacks from cats.

Place plenty of water sources in the garden. Bird tables make a big difference to the survival of robins in urban and suburban areas.

As with all forms garden wildlife, it’s also worth ensuring that your garden isn’t too pristine or tidy – some wild undergrowth will