Visit Edwins to get involved with two upcoming National events that will help bird life thrive and enhance your wellbeing
The birds that visit your home are a part of the whole ecosystem, eating pests, insects and weed seed; sipping nectar from flowers and helping plant pollination. If you attract birds to your outdoor space through a bird friendly environment, your garden and you benefit. A recent study by Exeter University* concluded that watching and engaging in bird life helps alleviate stress making your environment a healthier, happier place to live.
Get Inspired by National Nest Box Week 14th – 21st February
An established annual event, National Nest Box Week begins on the 14th February, the beginning of the breeding season for birds. Invest in a bird nest box and have it installed by the 14th February. Already have a box? Maybe add a second home for a different species of bird. Edwins Garden Centre stocks a fabulous collection of Tom Chambers wooden nest boxes, all handmade in the UK from FSC certified timber.
What about improving their habitat by adding a bird table, bird feeding station or single bird feeder and a fresh water bath? All in stock at Edwins. Grow plants that feed the birds in the cold winter months, for example berrying plants such as holly, Cotoneaster and honeysuckle; shrub roses for their rose hips; and sunflowers for their seed. Mature ivy is also a beneficial plant – the energy-rich berries provide food for birds, and the evergreen leaves give good shelter. Ask our staff for help in selecting plants.
To help feed our feathered friends there are two special offers - Peckish tub of 20% Extra Goodness Energy Balls with 20% extra free (60 balls for price of 50) at £16.00 and 20% extra free on the 2kg Peckish Complete Seed & Nut mix £7.00.
https://www.nestboxweek.com is a fabulous site on all you need to know about creating the perfect home for bird life. Get involved and enjoy the calm and joy these creatures will bring to your life.
RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 28th to 30th January
The RSPB research indicates we have lost 38 million birds from our UK skies in the last 50 years. As a conservation charity, the RSPB depend on your support in their research and creating environments for bird life to flourish. To help in their data collection give one hour of time to count how many birds you see at home, in your local park or from your balcony. Go to https://www.rspb.org.uk for details. Make a note of your findings, create a bird friendly environment and see how many more birds visit next year.
*Source: Exeter University Study 2017 led by Dr Cox and Professor Kevin Gaston
