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Attract birds to any garden with RSPCA's 'easy' method for spring

The animal welfare charity has shared advice for people looking to encourage feathered visitors to their garden

[Blue tit (Scientific name: cyanistes caeruleus) in Springtime, perching on a branch with pink almond blossom. Facing right. C]

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People can use the tip to attract birds to their gardens (stock photo)(Image: Getty)

For homeowners preparing their gardens ahead of spring, few sights are more rewarding than seeing wildlife return. People eager to attract birds to their properties might be interested in an RSPCA-approved tip.

The animal welfare organisation suggests that installing nesting sites in your garden is an excellent way to encourage visitors. Taking to Facebook, the RSPCA offered guidance for anyone wanting to transform their outdoor space into a haven for birds. The post said: "Want to give your garden visitors a place to nest and rest?

"Habitat loss means fewer natural nesting spots, but a bird box in your garden can be a fabulous way to welcome feathered friends. Sizes determine which birds you attract, and placement is key!"

On the RSPCA website, the charity explained that different birds favour different-sized nesting holes. The advice read: "Which birds will use which type of box? That depends on the type of box and the size of the nesting hole". As a rule:

• A 25mm hole attracts smaller birds like blue tits and coal tits.
• A 32mm hole attracts birds like great tits and sparrows.
• A 45mm hole attracts bigger birds such as starlings and woodpeckers.
• Open-fronted boxes attract robins, wrens and pied wagtails.
• Specially shaped boxes attract swifts, swallows and house martins.

The RSPCA said to check there's a suitable spot in the garden before installing a box, reports the Daily Record. The charity explained: "Protect birds from predators as well as sunlight, strong winds and driving rain find a sheltered spot facing north or east.

"Fix to a tree or the wall of your home make sure there are bushes, trees or climbing plants nearby to provide cover. Keep boxes away from cats and dogs by putting them two to four metres off the ground.

"Open-fronted nest boxes need to be lower around 1.5m. Hide them in vegetation like hedges, shrubs or thick creepers, to keep them safer from predators. For woodpeckers, a box in a tree, three to five metres high, is ideal. Make sure there's a clear flight path to all nest boxes (except open-fronted ones)."

[Dad holds up young son as they install bird box]

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Homeowners are preparing their gardens for spring and summer (stock photo)(Image: Getty)

The RSPCA said it's best to put up a box in autumn or early winter. By doing this, a bird may roost in the box during the colder months and return there in the spring. Spring gardening fans looking to upgrade their gardens ahead of the warmer weather might like to take this opportunity to make their garden bird-friendly.

For homeowners looking for another way to help, the RSPCA also shares instructions for families looking to make their own eco bird feeder, which helps birds year-round. Homeowners can attract birds such as robins, finches, tits, and house sparrows by providing fruit and seeds.

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