Gardeners in the UK are being urged to leave berries on their hedges in September as the autumn season begins to spread across the country. Autumn plays a vital role in the survival of birds and small mammals as they prepare for the harsh winter months. During this season, natural food sources begin to decline, making it harder for wildlife to find nourishment.
Feeding garden birds consistently during autumn and winter is an important way to support their survival, especially as natural food sources become scarce. As temperatures drop and severe weather sets in, birds expend more energy to stay warm and may struggle to find enough nourishment. In such conditions, it’s often necessary to feed them twice a day to ensure they get the calories they need.
Providing high-energy, high-fat foods like suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts helps birds maintain their body heat and strength through the cold months. Regular feeding not only aids their wellbeing but also encourages a lively and thriving garden ecosystem.
According to the experts from The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), leaving berries on the hedges will attract the birds to the garden.
A spokesperson from RSPB told The Express: “One of the best ways people can help garden birds throughout the year is to have a variety of plants that offer food and shelter at different times of year. Leaving the berries on the hedge and creating log piles to attract insects can make it easier for them to find food.”
Juicy berries found on hedgerows and shrubs become an essential lifeline, offering a rich source of energy and nutrients. These fruits help animals build up fat reserves, which are crucial for insulation and endurance through colder weather.
By leaving berries untouched in gardens and wild spaces, people can provide critical support to wildlife during this challenging time of year.
Apart from this, the experts also suggested planting natural food for the birds so as to keep your garden ecologically active.
The spokesperson explained: “Thoughtful planting choices in gardens or pots can also offer natural food for birds, alongside shelter and warmth.
“For example, holly provides berries in winter, and ivy incorporated into borders provides winter berries alongside year-round cover. With Common Teasels, Goldfinches will mine these seedheads as late in the year as December.”
