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Two more bird feeders for you to make

17/5/2020

See the National Trust website for lots more ideas and inspiration.
Click here to see how to make a plastic bottle bird feeder

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attract birds to your garden by making a bird feeder

15/5/2020

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Garden birds benefit most from extra food during winter, but will visit garden feeders year round once they know they’re there. Feeders can be made from materials you probably have at home already - simply hang them up in a tree, from a post, bracket or even a washing line. The ideal spot is somewhere that doesn’t get disturbed too much, is sheltered and offers plenty of visibility so birds can see any danger coming (like neighbourhood cats). Put small amounts of food out at first, so you don’t get waste that might attract unwanted visitors.

Some birds, including robins, prefer feeding from a flat surface, so you could put out a tray, table or dish of seeds to suit them.

What you will need

Something to hold the seed mix. This could be pine cones, an old mug or cup, empty plastic bottle or even the cardboard tube from toilet roll
Vegetable fat or lard
Small seed bird feed
Mixing bowls
String

Method

Tie string to your pine cone or the mug handle so you can hang it from a tree or hook later. If using a cardboard tube or old plastic bottle, carefully poke holes into the sides to thread the string through.
Soften vegetable fat by warming it in your hands or in a saucepan over a stove. It doesn’t need to melt, just become soft enough to mould easily.
If using a cardboard tube: (see video here)
- Carefully poke four holes at equal distances around the bottom of the tube.
- Spread the lard onto the outside of the tube, then roll it in the seed mixture until it coats the outside.
- Poke two twigs or sticks through opposing holes in the base of the tube, creating a cross. This will give the birds somewhere to perch.
If using a pine cone:
- Add in the bird seed to the warmed lard a bit at a time, and mix until it sticks together easily.
- Gently squash the mixture into all the holes in your pine cone. Roll the cone in even more seed to coat the outside.
If using a cup or mug: (see video here)
- Add in the bird seed to the warmed lard a bit at a time, and mix until it sticks together easily.
- Pack the mix in to the cup or mug and firm it down well.
- Push a long twig directly into the mix to give the birds somewhere to perch.
- Tie your finished feeder directly onto a tree branch or if you don’t have any trees hang it somewhere quiet, sheltered and high off the ground to keep birds safe from predators.

See the National Trust website for lots more ideas and inspiration
all images copyright National Trust

Making a pine cone feeder. Click on images to enlarge.
YouTube Videos on how to make easy feeders from a mug and a toilet roll holder HERE

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‘A Dog Is For Life®, Not Just For Lockdown’

6/5/2020

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Dogs Trust asks the nation: is now really the right time for you to get a dog?
Charity concerned about impending puppy crisis as online searches to ‘get a puppy’ rise by 120%

DogsTrust is asking the public to weigh up if they are actually ready for the realities of dog ownership before taking the leap, as searches to get a dog have shot up in the past month while the country is on lockdown.

image (c) The Dogs Trust
The charity is concerned there may be a spike in people giving up their dog when normality resumes and reality sinks in. This is the sad state of affairs that often follows Christmas when people also get dogs on a whim.

Dog ownership can be rewarding, but caring for a dog when you are at home 24/7 is not the norm, so the charity is temporarily tweaking its famous slogan to ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’ to get everyone to think twice before going ahead with a puppy purchase.

In the long-term, are you ready…

To completely change your schedule (& give up lie ins!)

For more time spent at home or the expense of a dog sitter/walker
For walks in all weather
To devote time to training, games and fun with your furry friend
To spend £££s every month on food, treats, insurance & other doggy essentials
For furniture covered in hair

To think for two - a night out, a holiday or a weekend away all mean planning for your pooch too!
To be chief pooper scooper
To learn the language of your dog so you can give them everything they need

Dogs Trust’s Chief Executive, Owen Sharp, said:
“Dog ownership can be so rewarding, but it’s also a huge responsibility which is why we are reminding people today that ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’.
Like Christmas, when people are at home more, they might think now is the perfect time to get a dog. For some people this will be the case, but we’re asking people to consider when the lockdown lifts how your life will need to change to accommodate your four-legged friend.
We’re encouraging potential dog owners to carry out our test (see below) to find out if you’re Dog Ready. Are you ready to be chief pooper scooper? Are you ready to forego a lie in ever again? As well as more serious questions around vet treatment and preparing for emergencies. If there is still a dog- shaped space in your life, then it may be the right time for you.”

Graham Norton, owner of Labradoodle Bailey, TV presenter and Dogs Trust supporter said:
“As a dog owner myself, I know how much joy four-legged friends bring to our lives. I’ve certainly found that my gorgeous dog, Bailey, has taken the boredom out of lockdown for me, and I’ve really enjoyed spending even more time with him than usual.   However, whilst the thought of introducing a cute, fluffy pooch to your family right now might be appealing, I fully support Dogs Trust’s important message, ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’. Don’t forget that you still have to walk a dog on a rainy evening and pick up their poo in the dark!

Please remember that life will go back to ‘normal’ at some point with people returning to work and school, and when this happens you need to think about whether you can still fit a dog into your life. Taking a look at Dogs Trust’s ‘are you dog ready’ test is a great place to start if you’re thinking seriously about getting a dog.”

Dogs Trust are asking people to take the test and see how ‘dog-ready’ they actually are. If you think you are ready for a dog, although centres are closed to the public, rehoming is happening on a limited basis. Please see website for details. Take the fun test here.

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Two more bird feeders for you to make

attract birds to your garden by making a bird feeder

‘A Dog Is For Life®, Not Just For Lockdown’

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