Alan Titchmarsh has offered four straightforward methods to transform your garden into a haven for birds, including a DIY bird bath and planting berried shrubs. In a recent video on his new YouTube channel, Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh, the horticulturist emphasised the importance of a solid nest box for species like blue tits and wrens.
He advised placing nest boxes out of reach of cats, above head height, and in a sheltered spot away from prevailing winds. Titchmarsh demonstrated by hanging a slate-roofed box near the eaves of his garden shed.
For feeding, he recommended bird feeders, particularly in autumn and winter when natural food is scarce. Fat or lard balls are favourites for blue tits and robins. He also suggested a bird table but noted that grey squirrels can be a nuisance; his solution was to use sturdy wire mesh to block their entry.
Titchmarsh highlighted the value of berried plants for birds. He recommended beautyberry (callicarpa) for robins and sparrows, firethorn (pyracantha) for its colourful berries, and Cotoneaster horizontalis for smaller birds. Roses with hips attract blackbirds, while hawthorn berries are a wonderful attractant.
For shelter, he suggested thorny shrubs like barberry (Berberis) and holly, which protect birds from predators. Trees such as cherry and Golden Hornet crabapple serve as nesting sites and feeding stations.
Finally, he advised adding a bird bath, changing the water regularly. A simple DIY version can be made by attaching a saucer to a plant pot with silicon, adding pebbles for smaller birds to perch on.
