Mulch more, feed less?

Mulching excludes light and therefore weeds, slows evaporation yet lets water in, and provides a fantastic habitat for invertebrates. The ideal mulch is natural and sustainable or reused/recycled e.g. wood, bark chippings or old carpet. With its typically showery weather, April is a good time for this project as the moisture will be locked in ready for the summer. Weed out perennials such as dock and dandelion by the root first.

Some people decrease bird feeding at this time of year. The argument is that there is more natural food around unless the weather is particularly poor. A natural diet is preferable for emerging young birds as it will be varied and nutritious, and it contains no added salt or other harmful food additives. If you continue to feed, avoid stale bread and whole nuts as these can cause young birds to choke, and desiccated coconut which swells in tiny stomachs as it rehydrates.