06:00, 09 May 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Migratory birds travel thousands of miles each year, navigating cities, farmland, and everything in between – often facing fewer safe places to rest and refuel. But your garden can be part of the solution.
Here’s how to create a bird-friendly haven, even in a small space:
Birds need food, shelter, and nesting material – and native plants provide all three. The RSPB advises choosing berry-producing shrubs, seed-rich flowers, and dense hedges. Think rowan, hawthorn, teasel, or sunflowers. They’ll attract insects too, which are a vital food source.
A shallow dish, birdbath, or small pond gives birds a place to drink and bathe, especially important during dry spells and migration seasons. Keep water clean and topped up.
Install nest boxes in quiet, sheltered parts of your garden. Different birds have different needs, so vary box types and sizes if you can, or choose one for the birds most common in your local area.
Pesticides and herbicides harm the insects birds rely on and may harm birds directly. Go with organic options where possible and welcome natural pest controllers like ladybirds and frogs.
A perfectly tidy garden isn’t ideal for birds. Leave leaf litter, seed heads, or a wild patch to encourage insects and shelter. Even a corner left to grow wild can make a big difference.
For more information and guidance on how to make your garden bird friendly, go to the RSPB website.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
RSPB. This is the UK's largest nature conservation charity. They work to protect birds and their habitats through research, education, and public engagement. Find out more.
Birdlife International. This is a global partnership of conservation organisations working to protect birds and biodiversity worldwide. Learn more here.
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). This is a UK-based non-governmental, non-campaigning organisation focused on securing the future for birds and nature. Support them here.
