Helping Farmland Birds Through the Winter: A Guide for UK Farmers

One of the biggest threats to our farmland birds is winter starvation. While summer provides plenty of natural food sources, once winter sets in, seed and insect availability drops drastically - often running out by January.

By planning and managing winter bird food mixtures, together with supplementary feeding farmers can play a vital role in supporting bird populations during the leanest months.

Why Winter Bird Food Matters

Establishing high-quality, species-rich mixtures can maximize seed production and help sustain birds throughout the colder months. However, seed shedding often means supplies dwindle by mid-winter.

That’s why supplementary feeding until the end of April is strongly recommended, keeping birds in good condition right through to the breeding season.

Unlike pollinators, farmland birds are highly mobile. This means distances between plots are less critical. The focus should instead be on the quality and diversity of your mixtures, and on ensuring year-round availability. supplies during the leaner months.

Choosing and Preparing Sites

Sheltered locations are best: south- or west-facing sites against hedges or woodland give birds cover from predators.

Difficult-to-farm areas such as awkward corners, field edges, or less productive patches are ideal.

Avoid siting near water, where run-off and pollution risks are higher.
Consider rotating sites with pollen and nectar plots to manage weeds and maintain soil health.

Getting the Ground Right

A firm, fine, weed-free seedbed is essential. Typical preparation might include spraying off old mixes, cutting, ploughing, and power-harrowing before sowing. Treat your bird food crop like any other: careful preparation pays dividends.

Choosing the Right Mix

Aim for a range of seed sizes to cater to different bird species.
Include kale and brassicas (annual or biennial) for both seed and the invertebrates they attract a bonus for insect-eating birds.

Consider radish and triticale, which don’t shed seed as readily.
Speak with your agronomist about weed management and selecting species that can work with specific herbicide programmes.

And don’t forget the two-metre rule: never sow within two metres of the centre of a hedge. That strip itself provides valuable habitat and wildlife benefits.

Sowing Tips

Timing is key: wait for warm, moist soils from April onwards. If dry weather persists, delay until rain is forecast even into June or July.
Depth matters: aim for around 2 cm deep, adjusting for mixed seed sizes.

Drill calibration ensures even sowing, while rolling afterwards helps conserve moisture and improve seed-to-soil contact.

Final Pointers

Apply fertiliser where necessary - boosting yield means more seed for birds.

Plan for supplementary feeding once seed supplies dwindle.
Rotate sites or swap with other environmental options to keep weed pressure down.

By following these steps, you can provide a reliable winter food source for farmland birds, helping them survive the toughest months and thrive into spring.