Wildlife expert Sean McNemmy of Ark Wildlife says wrens will keep visiting gardens all autumn if one wildlife-backed item is placed outside: dense shrubs, hedging, and evergreen plants that offer cover and shelter.
Wrens are among the most common garden birds in Britain, yet their shy nature means they are often heard before they are seen, according to McNemmy. Unlike many garden birds, wrens are not keen on seed feeders and show little interest in peanuts or fat balls. They are insectivores, relying almost exclusively on insects, small bugs, and spiders for nutrition.
Creating the right habitat
McNemmy advises: "To attract wrens, think cover first. Dense shrubs, hedging and especially evergreen plants give them somewhere safe to hide, roost and nest. The more sheltered your garden feels, the more likely they are to stay."
Cultivating a variety of foliage and flowering plants also helps establish a natural food supply for wrens by drawing in insects, their principal source of nourishment.
Feeding and water tips
McNemmy suggests: "Areas of low growth, leaf litter or even a quiet corner near a compost heap can quickly become feeding grounds." For a chance to spot wrens out in the open, he recommends offering mealworms: "Live is best, but even dried mealworms can provide a useful boost and may tempt them into view, if only for a moment."
Fresh water is also essential, particularly during warmer months. A shallow, sheltered water source gives wrens a safe place to drink and bathe. Wrens will also use nest boxes, especially if positioned low and well hidden within dense foliage, ideally two to four metres off the ground.
