Avian Autumn!

This autumn has very much been about all things avian, with Simon Smart, Jemma's Black Sheep colleague, farmland bird specialist and keen ornithologist, leading a farm walk on winter bird feeding, and then talking to us about nest boxes .....

Winter bird feeding - 22 November 2018

Seven members (and a toddler!) joined Jemma's colleague Simon Smart on Hougoumont Farm to find out more about establishing and managing tip top wild bird seed plots. The discussion covered all aspects, including how to decide on the size and location of plots; the value of different crops for different bird species; how to tweak standard mixes to attract particular target bird species; good establishment practice; and weed control, including in organic plots.

Simon also introduced the idea of supplementary feeding with specially formulated mixes of cereal grains plus high energy seeds like sunflower hearts, millet, and peanuts. Again, this covered the best mixes for target bird species, and also how best to deliver the seed to ensure maximum uptake by farmland birds rather than other birds (gamebirds, pigeons, etc.) and mammals (rodents, deer).  

Feedback from participants:

"Improved [my] understanding of wild bird plots, species choice and nutritional soil requirements. Feeding strategy was very interesting and something I think we will implement."

" I learnt about suitable seed beds and different seeds [as well as] how to attract different species of birds."

To download details of bespoke feed mixes including prices click here>>

Wildlife boxes 1: Owls and raptors - 4 December 2018