insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 21 - November 2016 | Page 93

FEEDING BIRDS THROUGH THE WINTER It is surprisingly easy to do something to help garden wildlife in the lean and cold months of winter. Even if you carry out just a few of the following tasks, it can make a difference. Help birds in winter by placing fat blocks in wire cages. Balls in plastic nets are not recommended as birds such as woodpeckers can get their tongues caught. Create your own fat blocks by melting suet into moulds such as coconut shells or logs with holes drilled in. Alternate different recipes to entice a range of birds include peanut cakes for starlings, insect cakes for tits and berry cakes for finches. Put out finely chopped bacon rind and grated cheese for small birds such as wrens. Although fat is important, do also provide a grain mix or nuts to maintain a balanced diet. Sparrows, finches and nuthatches will enjoy prising the seeds out of sunflower heads. No-mess mixes are more expensive but the inclusion of de-husked sunflower hearts means there is less waste. Inferior mixes are often padded out with lentils. Use wire mesh feeders for peanuts and seed feeders for other seed. Specially designed feeders are needed for the tiny niger seed, loved by goldfinches. Feed placed on a wire mesh held just off the ground will entice ground-feeding birds such as robins and dunnocks. Thrushes and blackbirds favour fruit. Scatter over-ripe apples, raisins and songbird mixes on the ground for them. Consider planting berrying and fruiting trees and shrubs such as Malus, Cotoneaster and Pyracantha to fill gaps. The RHS is a UK charity established to share the best in gardening. Their work is driven by a simple love of plants and the belief that gardeners make the world a better place. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes The Conservation Range ‹ Single or dual RAL colours ‹ A-rated*LULYN`LMÄJPLUJ` ‹ Fit into timber or direct to stone ‹UK manufactured Bespoke design and build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms International commissions welcomed. We also cater for Schools, Hotels & Commercial Properties For expert advice call 0800 731 4294 www.thwc.co.uk Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield Loughton [phone] [email protected] www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk *An “A” rated product or certain “U” value is subject to DGU performance and type of specialist sealant or glass and gas used. 93