found baby birds in garden planter: guidelines when encountering nestling avian offspring in your backyard landscape
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In the heart of the garden, a simple planter can transform into a bustling nursery for our feathered friends. Here's a guide on how to handle a bird nesting in your planter while adhering to the UK's wildlife protection laws.
During the nesting season, which spans from March to September, it is crucial to avoid disturbing the nest or the birds. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to disturb, move, or destroy wild birds' nests while they are in use or being built [1].
The best course of action is to leave the nest undisturbed until the birds have finished nesting and the young have left the nest [1]. This includes abstaining from watering the planter directly to prevent too much moisture, as well as avoiding moving the planter or tending to the plants within it until the chicks have fledged.
If you find a nest in a planter, it's best to leave the birds alone to avoid breaking the law. This might be the home of a common British garden bird, such as a robin or a blackbird.
By following this approach, you ensure compliance with UK wildlife protection laws and help protect nesting birds effectively.
Moreover, creating a wildlife garden or attracting birds can result in seeing chicks in the garden. It's a wonderful thing if a bird decides to raise its young in your garden. Not only do birds add beauty and life to your outdoor space, but they also eat slugs and help pollinate plants.
For instance, Prue Leith, a Bake Off star, recently found a nest of baby birds in one of her planters. The eggs and chicks in her photos are likely to belong to a common British garden bird.
To further support these feathered visitors, provide a fresh water source in your garden for birds to drink, bathe, and play. Keep the area calm and quiet, especially if you have pets, especially cats, to minimise disturbance.
Many people want to attract robins, as they are the UK's favourite bird. Robins, blackbirds, and wrens are known for their adaptability and often nest in sheltered spots, including planters. Provide shade nearby if the planter is in direct sun, but don't cover the nest itself.
Lastly, birdwatching improves mental health. Watching these little creatures go about their daily lives can provide a sense of peace and tranquillity, making your garden not just a beautiful space, but a sanctuary for both you and the birds.
[1] The RSPB, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/policy/policy-and-advice/advice-for-nature-and-people/wildlife-and-countryside-act-1981/
- Maintaining a home-and-garden that attracts birds can significantly enhance your lifestyle by offering a tranquil sanctuary, as well as promoting a healthy ecosystem within your outdoor space.
- During the nesting season, it's essential to respect the lifestyle of wild birds by leaving their nests undisturbed, ensuring compliance with UK wildlife protection laws and fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature.
