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Gardeners Advised to Feed Birds as UK Winter Approaches
12 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Birds face challenges due to climate change, habitat loss, and food scarcity
- Gardeners can help by providing high-calorie foods like boiled potatoes, cheese, and bacon rind
- Robins and other non-migratory birds need extra support to make it through the winter
As of November 12th, 2025, the UK is transitioning from autumn to winter, bringing colder, chillier weather that poses significant challenges for the local wildlife. During this time of year, birds will be breeding, nesting, and feeding their young chicks, but they face mounting difficulties due to the effects of climate change, habitat loss, and dwindling food sources.
To help these struggling bird populations, gardeners across the UK are being urged to do their part by providing supplementary feeding. While the usual options like seeds, oats, and mealworms are always good choices, experts also recommend leaving out some unexpected kitchen scraps, such as boiled potatoes, cooked pasta, cooked rice, and even cheese and uncooked bacon rind.
These calorie-rich foods can be a lifeline for birds, especially those that do not migrate south for the winter, like the beloved robins. With the challenges they face during these colder months, every bit of extra nourishment can make a significant difference in helping them survive until spring returns.
