British households are being urged to combat the declining wildlife numbers by feeding birds with leftover kitchen waste.
From egg shells to beef fat trimmings and stale hard cheeses, encouraging households to make good use of their food waste in the garden will help to attract wild birds and aid nature conservation.
'The number of wild birds is decreasing within the UK at a worrying pace. However, homeowners can do their part by simply understanding which foods are safe for wildlife,' explains a spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct.
'Utilising waste is key to maintaining the environment and should be a priority for all. By using food that would otherwise be discarded, households can take a small step to becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly for the future generation.'
While seeds are also good for birds to feed on, kitchen leftovers are brilliant to provide extra nutrition and energy.
Not sure what leftovers to leave out for the birds? Garden Buildings Direct have rounded up the top tips for what to choose.
These are the kitchen scraps you can use:
Baked goods
Stale bread, cakes and cookies are all attractive to wild birds. Crumble into small pieces and soak in water before placing outside.
Cheese
Avoid soft or mouldy cheeses, stick to stale, hard cheeses like mild cheddar. High fat foods are great especially in the winter months. Use a cheese grater for small and easy to digest bites.
Pasta and rice
Cooked plain pasta or rice is a great source of carbohydrates for birds. Wash thoroughly to remove any oil or salt and cut into small pieces.
Meat
As with cheese, no mouldy or rotten meat should be given to birds. Meat is a valuable source of protein – try beef fat trimmings and meat bones for a tasty offering. However, be aware of other pests that may be after these treats, so think about placing the meat in a bird feeder out of reach from wildlife.
Pet food
Wet pet food for cats and dogs is designed to be healthy for pets offering all necessary nutrients and so can equally be a great offering for birds. Dry pet food is also an option but be sure to add water beforehand – a small amount can go a long way.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as baked potatoes and others left over from canned soups are a great offering for birds. Mix with sunflower seeds for a perfect combination.
Cereal
Stick to cereal with a little or no sugar content and avoid artificial dyes. Add water and leave to soak for a wholesome bird treat.
Eggs
Cooked eggs are a source of necessary nutrients for birds, whilst the egg shell itself can be a great source of calcium especially for nesting birds and can help aid digestion. Egg shells are great throughout the changing weather and do not attract vermin like other produce may do.
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