How to help birds in Southwark
Birds in Southwark need you!
Swifts spend almost their entire lives in the air — eating and sleeping on the wing! In Southwark, species like the Swift and House Sparrow have fallen sharply over recent decades as green space, nesting spots and insect numbers have reduced.
By creating food, water and safe nesting space, your space can help bring birds back to the borough.
If you have a garden
BUILD: Put up a bird box
Many birds struggle to find safe nesting spaces in modern buildings. Place it high, sheltered from strong sun and rain. There are different shapes and sizes to suit different birds, see advice below.
👉 How to Guide: RSPB's how to choose and put up nest boxes
⚠️ If you are not the landowner, please check permissions before installing structures
PLANT: Add a fruiting shrub or small tree
Berries and seeds are vital food sources, especially in autumn and winter. If you have the space for trees and shrubs try planting:
🍎 Crab apple - great for blackbirds
🌿 Blackthorn - berries are loved by thrushes
🔥 Pyracantha (Firethorn) - berries provide great food in winter
🌼 Sunflowers - sparrows love the seeds
👉 How to Guide: RHS Guide for plants for birds
SUPPORT: Create insect-rich areas
Birds feed their young on insects like aphids and caterpillars. More insects = more food for baby chicks! Leave a patch of grass to grow long and leave the leaves - they are great bug habitats.
If you have a balcony
BUILD: Provide a bird bath
In summer water can be hard to come by. An ideal bird bath wide and shallow with a rock or two for perching on. An upturn dustbin lid, or plant tray work well.
👉 How to Guide: RSPB guide to creating a bird bath
PLANT: Grow sunflowers and climbing plants in pots
Plant a range of plants to help birds at all stages. Flowers with seeds provide food, especially in autumn and winter. Climbing plants provide habitats for insects that birds eat, and shelter for birds to perch. Try planting in pots:
🌼 Sunflowers - sparrows love the seeds
🪴 Honeysuckle - will grow up a terrace, and have flowers for pollinators
🌿 Mint - flowers for pollinators, and herbs for you
👉 How to Guide: How to create a nature balcony for birds
SUPPORT: Create insect-rich areas
Birds feed their young on insects like aphids and caterpillars. More insects = more food for baby chicks! Grow grasses and leafy plants for insects and leave the leaves - these are great bug habitats.
If you have a windowsill
PLANT: Create a wildflower window box
Wildflowers are great for insects, and we need to support insects to provide food for birds.
Try planting a wildflower mix:
🌼 Cornflower
🌸 Oxeye daisy
🌻 Dwarf sunflower
👉 How to Guide: How to create a nature balcony for birds