Attract wildlife to your garden: build your own bird feeder
The days are growing shorter, the mornings crisper… and the birds? They’re busy scouting for places where they’ll still find a meal when winter truly begins. Good news: your garden could become one of their safe spaces! By offering them food now, you’re letting your feathered visitors know they’re welcome once the real cold sets in. And at the end of this post, you’ll learn how to use a few old wooden boards and some basic tools to build a cosy feeding station they’ll love.
Why start now?
Autumn is the season when birds are actively seeking out new food sources. If they get to know your garden now, they’re far more likely to return throughout the winter. That’s important, because once frost arrives, natural supplies like insects, berries and seeds are much harder to come by.
But that’s not all. Watching birds is a joy in itself. You’ll start to recognise different species, and notice their habits.
What to offer
Bulbs of lard and peanut butter are best saved for frosty days. In autumn, a lighter mix is ideal, attracting a wider range of species:
- Seed mixes are favoured by sparrows and finches.
- Unsalted peanuts are loved by woodpeckers and tits.
- Fruit like apples or raisins is irresistible to blackbirds and thrushes.
- Mealworms are a real treat for robins and wrens.
- Porridge oats are a welcome extra for many species.
A tip: only put out high-fat foods (like bulbs of lard or half coconuts) once temperatures drop below freezing.
When to offer it
Birds are strategic about their feeding times. In the early morning, they’re looking for energy to start the day. By evening, they’re stocking up to get through the night. So, be sure to have food available at both those times.
Get to it: build a feeder with reclaimed wood
Got some spare timber lying around? Perfect! With a bit of DIY and the right tools, you can put together a charming bird table in under an hour.
What you’ll need:
- Reclaimed wooden boards
- Screws
- Sturdy rope for hanging
- Multi-tool (POWX00550)
- Mitre saw (POWX075710S)
- Table saw (POWX07595)
Here’s how:
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Cut four boards to the same length and width for your base frame.
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Sand down the edges to avoid splinters.
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Screw the frame together, using two screws in each outer corner.
Tip: Drill pilot holes first to prevent the wood from splitting.
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Cut two planks for the raised edges. One should be slightly wider than the other to get the right fit, so add the thickness of your planks to its width.
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Attach the raised edges to the base with screws.
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Cut two triangular pieces to form the ends of your tray. Screw them down onto the raised edges.
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Attach the rope, hang your feeder at least 1.5 metres off the ground (well out of reach of cats), and fill with treats!
Make a difference
A small gesture can make a big difference to local wildlife and help boost biodiversity in your area. And in return, you’ll enjoy a garden brimming with life, flutter, and song all winter long.