Sir David Attenborough has shared a simple step for UK cat owners to reduce the harm their pets cause to garden birds: fitting a bell to their cat's collar. According to the naturalist, this can cut a cat's "hunting success by a third," giving birds a vital warning that a predator is nearby.
Attenborough's Advice on Secret Gardens
In his BBC1 series Secret Gardens, part of his centenary birthday celebrations, Attenborough highlighted the importance of gardens as habitats. He said: "Across the British Isles, there are magical places, our gardens. Each is home to a cast of remarkable animals." He also noted that "some British gardens are almost as diverse as tropical rainforests," adding that "our gardens cover a greater area than all of our national nature reserves combined."
The series visited five different gardens across the UK, and Attenborough revealed that Britain's cat population, estimated at over 10 million, kills around 55 million birds each year.
Other Ways to Protect Garden Birds
Beyond fitting bells, Attenborough suggested keeping cats indoors during dawn and dusk when birds are most active, as these are prime hunting hours for cats. He also recommended placing bird feeders at least two metres away from thick vegetation and in elevated positions, out of reach of cats and away from potential launching points like decking or fences.
Enclosed bird feeder models offer another layer of protection, helping to make gardens a safer refuge for wildlife. These adjustments, Attenborough said, can transform outdoor spaces into sanctuaries for birds.
