Hi everyone! Welcome back to our weekly blog here at Devon Farm Holidays. We hope you are all keeping well. Although many shops have opened this week and more people are beginning to start more ‘normal’ work routines there are many of us still at home, whether that is furloughed, working from home or even homeschooling children. Additionally, even for those of us that have gone back to work it is far from normal and brings its own difficulties. Whatever your current situation there is no denying that things can feel a little stressful. One way to combat that stress is to get outdoors with nature. This is something that all our accommodation providers feel is a great way to relax and take some time. When you sit in your outside space you notice the wildlife moving around you and that includes the wonderful birds we have here in the UK. Bird watching is something that attracts lots of people love to come to Devon to do but today we wanted to share with you a way to attract more birds right to your own door. This is through making your own bird feeders with helpful advice from the RSPB.
What you need to make bird feeders
- Mixed seeds
- Mealworms
- Nuts (unsalted)
- Raisins
- Hard Cheese
- Mixing Bowl
- Scissors
- String
- Moulds (old yoghurt pots are a great choice)
- Lard
How to make your bird feeders
Step One – Get your mould or yoghurt pot and make a small hole in the middle. Thread the string through the hole and tie a knot large enough to make sure the mould/yoghurt pot does not slip through the string. Make sure you leave enough string to be able to tie the feeder to where you would like it in your garden. When you are happy with the length cut the string.
Step Two – Next you want to make sure your lard is at room temperature, but not melted as it will be too difficult to use. Cut your lard into squares and put it into the mixing bowl.
Step Three – Chop up your hard cheese into small squares, then add to your mixing bowl. Add the other ingredients (mixed seeds, mealworms nuts, raisins). Next mix all the ingredients together with your fingertips. Keep adding seeds, raisins and cheese to the mixture until the fat holds together. Be warned things can get quite sticky and most definitely fun for children!
Step Four – Fill your moulds/yoghurt pots with the mixture and place in the fridge to set for around an hour or so. Then simply hang your feeders in your garden and watch the variety of birds appear.
Share your feeders with us
When you have made your feeder you can record it as completed on the RSPB website, follow the link below to learn more.
We would also love to see your finished bird feeders so be sure to tag us in your social posts. For Facebook use the tag @devonfarms and for Instagram use the tag @devonfarmholidays.
Photos were taken by West Down Guest House and Lower Campscott Farm.