With the summer holidays, fast approaching comes up with ideas to keep children entertained. I have a few eco and crafty activities. Getting children involved in environmental conservation and action at a young age will benefit both their growth and the environment.
We assume that birds just come into the garden looking for food and sing in our trees, but birds have a massive benefit to our garden. Birds will eat small insects and pests that like to munch on your plants, such as slugs and snails. Making them effective pest control. Birds also help your garden grow as they help fertilise your garden helping them grow more lushes. Birds also help to pollinate your flowers. So, birds do a lot more than we all thought. Over the years with rising temperatures and increased use of chemical pesticides our bird population has decreased. The RSPB has kept records of the decline of our local birds for example starlings have declined by 71% since 1999. I have copied in a link to the article from the RSPB for further reading on how to help our indigenous bird population.
Bird is a wonderful visitor to our gardens or green spaces. There are three ways to help our feathered friends.
1. Bird feeders- you can make bird feeders from nearly everything. I often use old orange or citrus shells or coconut shells. If you have bought a bird feeder, make sure that you keep it topped up as birds remember where there is food. Once the seed or suet is all gone remember to clean the feeders so no bacteria or diseases can spread between the birds. Continue below I have included a step-by-step guide to making suet coconut shells.
2. Bird baths – apart from feeding the birds, they need something to drink and water to use. Especially with rising temperatures, birds need this water more than ever. Using an old cake tin or plate that has an edge can be used as a bath. Remember to clean the bath out and keep it topped up.
3. Somewhere to rest- now if bird houses are not for you that is fine you can still have shelter for birds. Trees, bushes, and hedgerows give great shelter and cover from larger birds.
DIY Coconut Bird feeders
What you need:-
- Birds seed
- Coconut shell or orange shell
- Suet or coconut oil.
- Bowl
- String
Instructions
1. Get your bowl and place your suet or coconut oil in, then you let it come to room temperature as it will be more pliable.
2. Once the fat is softer add your bird seed and mix together, for the best result I would use your hands.
3. Once mixed together set aside.
4. Get your container whether it is the coconut or orange or yogurt pot. Make a hole in the container.
5. Cut some string and make a loop, pass the string through the hole and tie a knot.
6. Now it is time to add your bird seed mix, set the filled feeders, and let them set.
7. Now take them out to the garden and place them in bushes or trees that are hidden slightly so smaller birds can also get to them.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/where-have-all-the-birds-gone/is-the-number-of-birds-in-decline/
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