As I write this from my kitchen table on the farm, with a steaming cup of earl grey and a view of frosty fields, it’s hard not to think about the challenges this weeks chilly weather will bring – especially for our garden birds. A cold snap like the one we’re in for doesn’t just make life uncomfortable for them – it can be life-threatening.

Frozen ground and icy water mean birds struggle to find the food and hydration they need to survive. But with a little effort, you can turn your garden into a haven, keeping your feathered visitors healthy and safe through the toughest months.

Why Cold Weather Hits Birds So Hard

Small birds like robins, wrens, and blue tits need to eat almost constantly during daylight hours to maintain their energy. Without a regular food supply, their reserves run out quickly, leaving them vulnerable to the cold.

Ground-feeding birds like blackbirds and thrushes face another challenge: frozen soil makes it nearly impossible to forage for worms or insects. As natural food sources disappear, these birds depend more and more on what we can provide.

How You Can Help

Supporting your garden birds during a cold snap is simple but can make a huge difference. Here’s what to focus on:

• Food: Offer high-energy options like sunflower seeds, suet balls (in the sale – LINK HERE ROB>, and dred mealworms <LINK HERE ROB>. If you really want to go the extra mile, set up a regular order of our Live Mealworms <LINK HERE ROB>. They’re a rich source of protein and moisture – just what birds need in freezing weather.

• Water: Fresh, unfrozen water is essential. Birds need it for drinking and preening, but it often gets overlooked during winter. Check your birdbath or water dish regularly to keep it ice-free.

• Shelter: Dense shrubs, bird boxes, and even log piles provide valuable shelter from the cold and wind. These spaces help birds conserve energy and stay warm overnight.

What We’re Doing at Lower Blakemere Farm

At Lower Blakemere Farm, we take bird support seriously. Every bag of birdseed we sell through Wiggly Wigglers starts as loose seed and is then mixed and packed to order here on the farm.  We pack our birdseed in paper sacks up to 6kg and larger quantities in reusable, recyclable woven polypropylene bags – so that there is no need for outer packaging during delivery. It’s a win for the environment and for your feathered friends.

Beyond that, we’re creating a bird-friendly landscape on the farm. Hedgerows, wildflower margins, and nesting boxes offer food and shelter, ensuring our bird population thrives year-round. In fact the BTO man is here this morning surveying the results.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Feeding and supporting garden birds isn’t just good for them – it’s incredibly rewarding for you too. There’s something wonderfully uplifting about watching a robin dart around or seeing a blue tit tuck into a feeder. It brightens even the frostiest of days.

Plus, helping them through winter means they’ll be in better shape for spring. Healthy birds now lead to more chicks and stronger populations when the weather improves.

Prepare for the Weekend Chill

Next week is set to be a cold one, so now’s the time to act. Stock up on bird food and live mealworms to keep your garden alive with activity. You can find all the essentials in our birdfood collection and Live Mealworms are ready to order now.

Take a moment to refresh your water sources, hang up your feeders, and make your garden a safe haven. It’s a simple way to make a real difference – and to enjoy the beauty of your local wildlife even as the temperature drops.

Shop Birdfood Now
Shop Live Mealworms

Together, we can help keep our birds thriving through the cold snap.