What is the most important thing to know about Feeding Garden Birds (): What to Feed, Avoiding Trichomonosis & RSPB Hygiene?

Providing food for garden birds is one of the most popular ways to connect with nature in the UK. However, the types of food we provide must shift with the seasons, and poor hygiene at feeding stations is currently contributing to a devastating disease epidemic among British finches.

What should I know about Choosing the Right Bird Food?

Providing food for garden birds is one of the most popular ways to connect with nature in the UK. However, the types of food we provide must shift with the seasons, and poor hygiene at feeding stations is currently contributing to a devastating disease epidemic among British finches. The parasite spreads through contaminated food and droppings. Because bird feeders artificially congregate dozen...

What is the best Summer vs. Winter Feeding approach?

Providing food for garden birds is one of the most popular ways to connect with nature in the UK. However, the types of food we provide must shift with the seasons, and poor hygiene at feeding stations is currently contributing to a devastating disease epidemic among British finches. The RSPB encourages year-round feeding, but the menu should change. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the most important thing to know about Feeding

What is the most important thing to know about Feeding Garden Birds (): What to Feed, Avoiding Trichomonosis & RSPB Hygiene?

Providing food for garden birds is one of the most popular ways to connect with nature in the UK. However, the types of food we provide must shift with the seasons, and poor hygiene at feeding stations is currently contributing to a devastating disease epidemic among British finches.

What should I know about Choosing the Right Bird Food?

Providing food for garden birds is one of the most popular ways to connect with nature in the UK. However, the types of food we provide must shift with the seasons, and poor hygiene at feeding stations is currently contributing to a devastating disease epidemic among British finches. The parasite spreads through contaminated food and droppings. Because bird feeders artificially congregate dozen...

What is the best Summer vs. Winter Feeding approach?

Providing food for garden birds is one of the most popular ways to connect with nature in the UK. However, the types of food we provide must shift with the seasons, and poor hygiene at feeding stations is currently contributing to a devastating disease epidemic among British finches. The RSPB encourages year-round feeding, but the menu should change.

🔄Last Updated: 20 March 2026•Originally published: 8 June 2020

🦔 Wildlife — The Complete UK Wildlife Guide 2026

Britain’s gardens are a critical wildlife habitat, supporting hedgehogs, foxes, nesting birds, bees, and more. With hedgehog numbers declining by 50% since 2000 and many species under pressure from habitat loss, your garden can make a real difference. Our wildlife guides show you how.

<1m

UK hedgehogs left

-50%

Since 2000

15m+

UK gardens

246

UK bird species

Our wildlife content is researched with reference to the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Hedgehog Street, and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.