Wildlife

Wild Bird Garden Supplementary Feeding

Supplementary feeding of wild birds in gardens significantly benefits welfare and population resilience, with evidence now supporting year-round provision.

Key Facts

UK garden birds receive an estimated 55,000 tonnes of supplementary food annually
Year-round feeding supports breeding birds as well as winter populations
Mixed seed, sunflower hearts and suet provide high-quality nutrition
Feeder hygiene is essential to prevent disease transmission
Water for drinking and bathing is as important as food provision

Welfare Considerations

Garden feeding directly supports individual bird welfare by reducing energy expenditure during cold periods and food shortages. Evidence increasingly supports year-round provision. Feeder hygiene is critical - dirty feeders spread salmonellosis and other diseases, converting welfare benefit to harm.

What You Can Do

Clean feeders regularly with disinfectant and rinse thoroughly
Provide a range of food types to support diverse species
Install a bird bath and keep it clean and ice-free in winter