The Benefits of Birds in Your Garden

The Benefits of Birds in Your Garden

The Benefits of Birds in Your Garden – Horticulture specialists Westland are encouraging the public to bring more birds into their gardens to both increase biodiversity and build upon the positive impact that feeding birds had on mental wellbeing.

The UK’s appreciation of wild birds has soared recently as people recognised the benefits of being amongst nature and the presence of birdsong.

Research led by Westland* indicates the UK public were more engaged with birds and wildlife between March and July in the UK throughout the pandemic. One of the most notable sounds throughout the time was birdsong, with 68% of people more aware of it than usual, likely due to reduced noise pollution. 

As people stayed home and appreciated their outdoor spaces more during lockdown, nature provided an apparent ‘feel good factor’, with two thirds of those surveyed saying that spending time in the garden had a positive impact on their overall wellbeing. 

Westland’s Rachael Dickinson, Senior Marketing Manager for Peckish bird care, comments: 

“Simply feeding the birds connects us to nature and can help us feel better during an uncertain time. One of the most enjoyable, safe activities to take part in is feeding and encouraging birds into our gardens and outdoor spaces,” Rachael said. 

The psychological benefits of bird watching are certainly nothing new. It allows us a chance to switch off from the modern world and get back to nature, to re-boot our brains and take some much-needed rest.

Here are some suggestions for why you should give bird watching a go to boost your mental health:

1. It forces you to live in the present moment

Sitting and watching the birds forces you to be mindful, turn off your mobile phone and concentrate on the here and now.

2. It’s a prescription for Nature-Deficit Disorder

As human beings, we’ve evolved to rely on nature to regulate our moods and behaviour. Switching off completely can have damaging effects on our minds and bodies. Getting out into the fresh air for a walk in the park or sitting in your garden to watch the birds can have a powerful impact on your brain.

3. Similar to meditation

The benefits of meditation are well known and if you think about it, there are many parallels to bird watching. Both activities force you to sit still, to be quiet and to eliminate distractions. 

Westland has provided the following tips for anyone hoping to attract more birds into their garden or outdoor space:

What to Feed the Birds

– If you are new to feeding birds, you can choose a ‘year-round’ bird food, suitable for all seasons and all popular garden birds (Peckish Complete Seed & Nut Mix has 12 varieties of high energy seeds and nuts and will attract a wide range of birds) 

The Benefits of Birds in Your Garden

Peckish Complete Seed & Nut Mix is a unique blend that’s packed with energy and nutrition. Everything that a bird needs to fuel them for longer. More seeds, simply means more birds, because our mix contains 12 ingredients specifically chosen to attract a wide variety of birds. The seed husks have also been removed so there is no waste or mess involved. Furthermore, Peckish Complete Seed & Nut Mix contains Calvita® Vitamin mix which is our unique blend that garden birds need to stay healthy. It is a specially developed supplement that gives birds vitamins and also minerals that are essential to their development.

– If you are keen to attract a specific type of bird, there are specific foods available, for example, a Robin mix blended with mealworms, naked oats and sunflowers hearts that are small and ideal for a Robin’s beak. 

How to Feed the Birds

– You will know how much food to put out based on how much is left. If it is taking days to be eaten, simply reduce the amount.

– Use several feeding stations to reduce the number of birds feeding in one spot – If you use a feeding table, make sure to keep it clean.

– Use a ground feeding tray if you prefer to place food on the ground – just remember to remove leftover food before nightfall to prevent attracting unwanted visitors.

– Avoid putting feeders under garden features where birds may perch or roost.

Lilly Light

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