The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is calling on UK households with bird tables in their gardens to take action to support birds through the winter season. The UK’s largest nature conservation charity is emphasizing the importance of aiding birds during the challenging winter months when snow and freezing temperatures pose risks.
Today, January 6, the Met Office has issued multiple snow and ice warnings across Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and most of England. Conservation groups like the RSPB and RSPCA warn that severe cold spells can have devastating effects on garden birds, with populations dropping significantly during harsh winters, especially when food is scarce.
To assist garden birds during inclement weather, the RSPB has shared guidance on providing extra food in winter to attract and support birds, preparing for the upcoming Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of January. The charity advises against using flat bird tables during cold weather due to the risk of spreading diseases through damp food on these surfaces.
In early 2025, the RSPB ceased selling flat bird tables as a precautionary measure after discovering their potential role in spreading diseases harmful to songbirds. Diseases like Trichomonosis and Salmonella can spread through infected birds leaving saliva or droppings on flat surfaces, impacting the bird populations negatively.
The RSPB recommends using hanging feeders with suet, peanuts, and seeds during winter, emphasizing the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance of feeders to prevent disease spread. Additionally, planting sunflowers and teasel can provide natural food sources for birds, while creating leaf piles and planting shrubs like hawthorn and holly can offer food and shelter for birds during winter months.