They are one of the UK’s favourite birds, but the iconic red-breasted robin isn’t just for Christmas – in fact, they can be spotted in our gardens all year round.
But robins don’t magically thrive in gardens, and with increasing threats to bird habitats due to loss of living areas, climate change, increasing temperatures and the drop in insect numbers, gardeners are being urged to do what they can to help encourage all birds in their outdoor spaces, including robins, of course. According to The Woodland Trust, robins are ‘more likely’ to spend time in your garden if they ‘feel safe from predators’.
This means you need to move the position and location of your bird feeders in order to protect robins from the threat of cats, if you want them to keep returning to your garden and feed.
The Trust says: “Robins, and other birds, are more likely to spend time in your garden if they feel safe from predators like cats. Ideally, bird feeders should be positioned around 2m away from dense vegetation.
“This will reduce the chance of a surprise attack by cats, and means birds can still easily retreat to cover if needed.”
It urges gardeners to consider nest boxes too, placed in quiet areas ‘out of the reach of cats’.
It said: “Nest boxes should be placed in a quiet area of your garden out of the reach of cats. Facing the box between north and east is ideal as this will avoid exposure to the strongest sunlight and wettest winds.
“Bird feeders should be cleaned regularly to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria. Nest boxes should be cleaned, with old nests removed, each autumn. “Make sure birds have stopped using the box before you take any action. By following these steps you can increase the chances of attracting not just robins, but a whole host of birds to your garden too.”