From February to April 2011, Allinson will be giving away 8,500 bird feeders in a bid to help bring Britain’s birds back to our gardens. All you need to do is buy four loaves of Allinson Bread, send off the on-pack tokens and you’ll be the proud owner of a brand new bird feeder.
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as the sound of chirping birds gently rousing you from your slumber each morning. For many, this well-loved sound brings a calming, tranquil influence to the otherwise chaotic pace of life, but the morning chorus could become quieter due to the ongoing decline in bird numbers in the UK.
Allinson is so committed to birds and other wildlife that it has launched a new partnership with Conservation Grade™, the nature friendly farming scheme. This means that from 2011, Conservation Grade™ farmers will be paid a premium to devote at least 10% of their land to specific habitats for UK wildlife, as well as manage their whole farm according to nature friendly principles.
Allinson believes that each individual can make a difference and wants to get you and your family involved in conserving British wildlife and helping birds thrive.
Be sure to get your kids and grandchildren involved in the action as well. Give them a taste of the countryside in the comfort of your own back garden, and see it come to life with robins, sparrows and blackbirds.
What to feed birds
Just like us, different species of birds have different tastes, so you can be extremely imaginative with the food that you put into your bird feeder. As well as traditional birdseed mixtures of maize, sunflower seeds and peanut granules, many household foods provide a source of sustenance for birds, including soft fruit, uncooked porridge oats and cake crumbs. Always make sure that you buy seed from a reputable source and any additional food you put out is chopped into small pieces, as large foods can sometimes lodge in a bird’s throat. Providing a good supply of water will also help birds maintain their plumage and keep them hydrated.
The importance of hygiene
Ensure your bird feeder is cleaned out at least once a week. Use a simple washing up liquid based cleaner and allow the feeders to dry thoroughly before adding further food for the birds. Clean all garden bird equipment outdoors, wear rubber or similar gloves and wash your hands thoroughly in hot soapy water afterwards.
Portion sizes
Like most creatures, birds can be greedy when it comes to eating, so you should only put out enough food to last a couple of days. You should also regularly clear away food so that it doesn’t build up in the bird feeder.
