Gardening for the Birds

Although annual garden bird surveys in Wales seem to indicate declining populations in recent years, bird sightings in one neighbourhood are on the rise. Bird landings in one garden in Roath have tripled, since it's owners first began taking part in annual bird counts, in 1966. Residents of the neighbourhood attribute much of the population increase to the natural gardening methods that have been adopted in the area.

Many gardeners in the area are using organic methods, avoiding pesticides that indiscriminately kill insects that the birds feed on. Native plants that are favoured by the birds are being promoted. Instead of deadheading, flowers are left to go to seed to provide food for the birds. Gardeners in other regions, who are keen to promote wildlife, are adopting the natural methods.

Link: Birds get a lift from family gardens from icWales

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 2:48 PM on April 5, 2005

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