The cheerful sight and song of a robin in your garden is a classic sign of the British winter. To ensure these beloved birds keep returning, wildlife experts reveal a remarkably simple task you can complete in just ten minutes this November.
Why Robins Need Our Help in November
Robins urgently need to consume substantial amounts of food during November to build up their fat reserves. This layer of fat is crucial for helping them stay warm and survive the coldest months. The challenge is that at this time of year, their natural food sources, such as insects, are dwindling significantly.
If a robin cannot find enough insects before the first hard frosts arrive, the consequences can be fatal. In their struggle to survive, they are likely to move on to find sustenance elsewhere, meaning you might not see another robin in your garden until the following year.
The Simple 10-Minute Solution
Fortunately, the specialists at Bird Spot have shared an easy, cost-free method to naturally attract food for robins. The key is to create an insect-friendly habitat in a sheltered corner of your garden, effectively building a 'bug hotel' or wild patch that mimics a forest floor.
Start by finding a sunny spot, protected from wind and heavy rain, near existing plants and flowers. Then, simply spend ten minutes piling up natural materials. You can use logs, sticks, leaves, rocks, and even cardboard. Stack bricks or wooden pallets and fill the gaps with bamboo, dry leaves, bark, straw, and stones.
How Your Wild Patch Helps Robins Thrive
This simple act provides shelter for insects and encourages them to breed. Beetles and spiders are drawn to dry leaves and bark, while worms prefer wet leaves and grass clippings. By creating this thriving mini-ecosystem, you are ensuring a steady supply of food for ground-feeding robins right when they need it most.
Another helpful tip is to avoid cutting your lawn too short. Longer grass offers protection for insects and allows it to grow seeds, providing an additional food source. Many gardeners have already stopped mowing for the winter, as it can harm the grass, making this the perfect time to let a patch grow wild.
While you can also buy mealworms or offer mild grated cheese and unsmoked bacon, creating a natural habitat is the most sustainable way to support robins and your local wildlife throughout the entire winter season.
