The beloved robin redbreast, with its fiery breast and cheerful song, holds a special place in the hearts of British gardeners. More than just a pretty visitor, this friendly bird can become a year-round companion with just a little encouragement.
The Robin's Favourite Haunts
Unlike many shy garden birds, the robin is famously curious and often quite tame. They are particularly drawn to gardens that mimic their natural woodland edge habitat. You'll frequently spot them following gardeners around, waiting for a turned-over worm or a freshly dug patch of soil.
How to Make Your Garden Irresistible
1. Serve Up Their Favourite Foods
Robins are primarily insectivores but will gladly visit feeders. They prefer to eat from the ground or a flat surface. Offer them:
- Mealworms: A protein-packed favourite, especially during breeding season.
- Suet pellets or cakes: Provides essential energy in winter.
- Fruit: Chopped apples or raisins are a sweet treat.
- Mild grated cheese: A occasional offering they will love.
Remember to provide a source of fresh water for drinking and bathing, which is vital in all weather.
2. Create Safe Shelter
Robins need cover to hide from predators like cats and sparrowhawks. Dense, thorny native shrubs like hawthorn or pyracantha offer perfect protection and also provide berries for food. Nesting boxes designed specifically for robins, which are open-fronted, should be placed in a sheltered, discreet spot.
3. Gardening Practices They Love
Your gardening routine is a robin's buffet. They will eagerly hop along behind you as you dig, searching for exposed insects and worms. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as these poison their natural food sources. Leaving a small area of your garden a little 'wild' with leaf litter and logs will create a thriving insect population for them to feast on.
A Friend for All Seasons
With a well-stocked garden, you can enjoy the company of robins throughout the year. In winter, they are crucial visitors helping to control pests. Come spring, you may be rewarded with the sight of them collecting nesting material and later, hear the hungry chirps of their chicks. By making your garden robin-friendly, you're not just getting a beautiful visitor; you're supporting a quintessential piece of British wildlife.
