THE IMPACT OF BIRD FLU IN THE UK
The news is filled with worrying headlines at the moment, regarding the bird flu epidemic and the impact it is having on our ecosystem and wildlife. In our latest blog post we discuss the history of the avian flu and some of the things we can all do to help prevent its spread.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
If you have a bird-enthusiast, green-fingered gardener or nature lover that you need a gift for, we've got you covered.
Although it's only November, the festive season is creeping upon us. If you're stuck for a gift idea, why not consider one of our feeders? Our unique, easy-to-clean bird feeders create a safe space for wild birds, helping to prevent the spread of illness and disease and we have a variety of options available - including our new Cleaner Window Feeder, which is suitable for any home.
CASUAL BIRDER PODCAST
We were truly delighted to be interviewed by The Casual Birder Podcast this month. Our founder, Dick Woods and TV Presenter and Zoologist, Martin Hughes-Games, connected with Suzy to discuss:
- the story behind the development of our brand
- the troubling issues with many of the readily-available bird feeders and
- what Finches Friend are doing to prevent the spread of illness and disease in our gardens.
5 TIPS FOR SUPPORTING GARDEN WILDLIFE IN WINTER
1. KEEP SOME AREAS 'MESSY'
For wildlife, messier is usually better so keep some areas of your garden untidy! Gather together dead leaves, vegetation and twigs. These unkempt areas will be the perfect places for animals to hibernate and will provide a habitat for insects.
2. PROVIDE A CLEAN FOOD SOURCE
Food is hard to come by for lots of animals at this time of year. Birds in particular struggle to source food during the winter, so regularly stocking and cleaning your feeder is a great way to help them through the harsher months. Shop our feeders.
3. PROVIDE A CLEAN WATER SOURCE
As ponds and lakes freeze over, water becomes more difficult to source. Help by leaving out fresh water but, as with supplementary food, this should be from a regularly-cleaned location. Our Cleaner Drinker will be launched soon.
4. PUT UP A NESTING BOX
Nesting boxes provide birds with shelter during the winter, that birds may return to in the future. However please ensure you keep boxes away from any potential predators and place them away from direct sunlight.
5. MAKE A BUG HOTEL
Bugs need warm and dry shelters to spend the cooler months in. Give them a great place to hibernate by adding a bug hotel. Having insects in your garden is beneficial as they both pollinate plants and act as predators for pests.
We stand with conservationist Hannah Bourne-Taylor and her bid help ensure swifts and other species have a safe home to return to every year. She recently marched through London unclothed and painted as a bird as part of a campaign to support declining species in the UK. Please sign her petition below:
