Today we are open from
09:00 - 17:30
Today we are open from
09:00 - 17:30

As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, our gardens begin to change – and so do the needs of the birds that visit them. Autumn is an important season for garden wildlife, as birds prepare for winter by building up energy reserves and seeking safe feeding and roosting spots. By giving them a helping hand now, you can make your garden a welcoming haven all through the colder months.

Why Autumn Matters for Birds

Many birds spend Autumn moulting, replacing their worn Summer feathers with a fresh Winter coat. This process takes a lot of energy, leaving them more vulnerable. On top of that, natural food sources such as berries, insects and seeds begin to dwindle with the first frosts. Providing food, water and shelter in your garden can make a big difference.

Feeding Garden Birds in Autumn

  • High-energy food – Offer peanuts, sunflower hearts, fat balls and suet blocks to help birds build fat reserves.
  • Variety is key – Different species have different preferences. Finches love seeds, Robins prefer mealworms and Tits enjoy peanuts.
  • Natural Treats – Leave seed heads on plants like Sunflowers and Teasels and Birds will enjoy feeding on them.

 

TIP – Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease

Water for Drinking and Bathing

Even in Autumn, water is essential. Place a shallow bird bath or dish in your garden, and keep it topped up with fresh water. Birds need it for both drinking and feather care.

Shelter and Nesting

While most nesting is over by Autumn, birds still need safe roosting places. You can help by –

    • Putting up bird boxes for shelter.
    • Leaving hedges and Ivy untrimmed until Spring
    • Creating log piles and leaf piles that provide cover for insects – which in turn become food for birds.
Image of a wooden bird house mounted on a tree.

Caring for Other Garden Wildlife

It’s not just birds that benefit from a little extra care in Autumn. Hedgehogs and squirrels are also preparing for the colder months ahead.

Hedgehogs – These charming creatures need to build up fat reserves before hibernation. Leave out hedgehog food or meaty cat food (never milk or bread) and provide piles of dry leaves or a hedgehog house for shelter.

Squirrels – Offer a mix of unsalted nuts, seeds and specially formulated squirrel food to help them store energy for the winter. If possible, place feeders away from bird tables to avoid competition.

Natural Spaces – A slightly “wild” corner of your garden with leaves, logs and shrubs creates safe hideaways for all sorts of small creatures.

 

By giving a little thought to the needs of our feathered and furry friends this autumn, you’ll enjoy a livelier garden throughout the winter. Wildlife not only brightens our days with its presence, but also plays an important role in keeping garden ecosystems healthy.

Pop Into Brick Kiln Garden Centre to explore our range of bird feeders, seeds, suet treats, hedgehog food, squirrel feed and nesting boxes – everything you need to keep your garden wildlife happy this season.