HOW I'LL BE HELPING WILDLIFE This Autumn/Winter

[@KatherineUribe-1]

Folks, if you love the birds and other small wildlife (like hedgehogs) keep your cats indoor and dogs on a leash. Domestic cats kill millions of songbirds every year. I have two rescue cats and they live a fabulous indoor life. They have an enclosed outdoor space and one likes to walk on a lead. The other, not so much, so we respect her wishes!💕🐱🐱💕

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to read this Katherine, not all cats are out and killing, some have considerate owners like you, and I'm glad about that :) Best wishes, Joel

[@billerator]

Roll on 100k subscribers, then 1m! You'll make it happen

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - it's people like you that make things like this happen, I'm so thrilled to have reached over 60k subscribers. I know it's still a relatively niche subject in the scheme of gardening, but I've been preaching this for over 18 years and there are so many more companies now, whether selling items or undertaking gardening/landscaping that I've certainly seen the positive change. I know this channel isn't for everyone and there are no gimmicks and no shock-value but slowly and steadily I've been so encouraged by everyone here and the support has been amazing. So, thank you for helping make this happen and if we ever reach 100k subscribers it will be absolutely thrilling :) Very best wishes, Joel

[@NM-gy6tx]

I had the shock of my life the other day. I've had an hedghog box for the last few years and nothing has ever used it.. well! Here's the thing! They like the hog houses to be put near a shed so there is good cover. They also adore large woodshavings. I noticed the house had some of its bedding moved so I gently went to put my hand inside and something grunted at me! And i got pricked lol so there you have it Joel's viewers, large woodshaving and straw! After discovering it ive invested in a lovely box off amazon for £50. It's beautiful quality, sturdy strong, easy to put together with a nice thick roof. I bought a packet of straw and put that in with some shredded paper and more shavings. Worth a try for anyone encouraging hogs and also ours LOVE purina pink kitten biscuits they also like tesco kitten biscuits too 😋 Sorry that was a big comment you can tell how daft I am about our garden friends 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Great surprise! I'd obviously recommend the WYG hedgehog box... it comes fully assembled too, so no extra work :) But with straw and putting bedding in please handle with gloves as they can be put-off by the human scent. Also, I wouldn't recommend wood-shavings I'm afraid - if you check Hedgehog 101 they advise that wood shavings from cedar or pine "will harm or potentially kill your hedgehog", they mainly advise on pet hedgehogs, which of course I don't agree with, but I'd suggest that the same harm could be done to wild hedgehogs too. Best bedding is to allow them to choose their own and provide leaf-piles, straw is fine but again handle with gloves so not to put them off. They're renowned for nesting and hibernating under sheds though :) Best wishes, Joel

[@jjplantant4073]

I live in the USA and I feed my Wrens living waxworms all year round. You can get them in a pet shop to get started and then keep some in a covered plastic box with oats in a warm place (there are videos on youtube) and you will have worms all year.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Joanne, thank you for this, really helpful. I did this with the cuckoo that I rescued two years ago, with mealworms too and they certainly provide the moisture that no dried bird food can do in spring but which is vital to chicks, birds have no way of transporting water so caterpillars etc are so important, and habitat can provide this of course. Thank you again, best wishes - Joel

[@meridianx9020]

A really simple, and inexpensive, way to give water to birds is to get a couple of clay plant pot saucers. This is especially useful during freezing temperatures. Put one out early in the morning. Keep the other in your house, so that you can put that one out early the next morning when the first one has frozen overnight - take that one back in the house to defrost ready to use the next morning. I started doing this last winter when my birdbath froze and I was worried that the birds were so used to their water station being there, they would then have to expend more energy trying to find a new source.

[@blue2mato312]

Nice tip if you don’t have really cold weather! I live in Norway and I tried this last winter on my apartment balcony, the water froze in 30 minutes or so. Now it will be even faster as this is the coldest period we have had in many years (-15 C now). And I can’t do that all day, so I just hope my birds find some open water in a little stream nearby. I think there are birdbaths with heating, but I don’t have power outside.

[@itsmewende]

Look at you, 62K, good for you, 100K just around the corner. Really nice you're new shop is open, I'm sure it's going to be well received. Interesting info and tips, thanks. Before I had a load of cats I used a 1/2 sheet of plywood for a feeder, seen Monty Don put his together some yrs back. My brother refereed to it as a smorgasbord, for my resident hawk, I did lose one bird to her, very sad. It was right out the back door where I could enjoy seeing the many birds I never seen before.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Wende, thanks so much - yes, 62k and of course that's just the people that have gmail accounts to be able to subscribe or comment, like etc - but I've just seen that we're over 7.5 million views on the channel and I'm delighted, not just for me but for all the wildlife that is being helped and the information shared. Love the smorgasbord idea and yes have seen a sparrow hawk take a blackbird in my own garden, awful to see but of course they need to eat too. Thanks again to everyone for consistently encouraging and supporting me, I know it's been said before but without you guys the channel just wouldn't be so successful :) Best wishes, Joel

[@tonystephengrayson]

I have a Collared Dove that I feed every day at my allotment. It's so friendly and inquisitive, and will watch me working the plot and walk right up to me. Won't be long until its eating from my hand

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That's so good to hear Tony, I think I say in the video that collared doves are being seen as a nuisance in gardens but they really are just trying to survive like every other bird - make sure you have your camera phone ready, would love to see some pics. Best wishes, Joel

[@tonystephengrayson]

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton They're no nuisance to me. They almost seem domesticated. People are quick to feed birds via feeders, but forget the ground feeders like doves and even Robins. It's a shame really as they are the most interactive ones in my opinion

[@deborahflello2316]

🥰your book is full of great advice I love it

[@titiaswildlifecottagegarden]

Hi Joel, That was a long video. I'm trying my best to fullfill the wildlife needs as much as possible. So far this year I have attracted birds, frogs, newts, hedgehog, mice and common kestrel. The first ones pretty early in the year by just leaving longer grass and a shallow tub with oxygenator plants for the pond. And the last ones, because the county mowed a big part of their grasses and the mice quickly moved in with us. And so were the predatory birds... Our garden boundary is next to a field owned by a housing rental company and full of native trees, like hawthorn, blackberry, blackthorn, elder/alderberry, brambles etc etc. I'm putting in a wildflower meadow this fall, a pond, spring bulb meadow, bramble fence and multiple flowers like honeysuckle, sweetbriar rose, alliums etc. Next spring I'm also going to sow seeds for flowers like echinacea, lupin etc. Slowly but surely I will create a wildlife/bird sanctuary in our garden❤

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Titia, yep a necessarily longer post this time, so many important points to convey. Your garden, as ever, sounds like it's doing exactly the right things and it will continue to improve - already you have many grateful creatures that are in desperate need of our help, so very well done to you! Best wishes, Joel

[@-Pol-]

These were useful plugs Joel. Great inspiration for feeding and housing projects, some I'll buy some I'll make. I will save up for a metal feeder as I'm work towards minimising the plastic in my home. I love the housemartin eaves bowls, what a great idea - first into my shopping basket along with some aconite and wild garlic bulbs too!

[@SKultra1]

Another very informative video! This has quickly become my favorite channel. Thanks to you, I’m finally breaking ground on my own wildlife pond in the backyard next weekend. A big “Thank You” from Pennsylvania!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello Pennsylvania! Thank you, so much, for your kind words and it's great to have you here, lots of videos already available to help and lots more to come. Do send an email to me at [e-mail] if you need any help and of course a few photos when it's done :) Best wishes, Joel

[@archiediggins641]

Hey Joel, After not seeing a single ladybird this year. I saw 3 on the side of the house a few weeks ago. However yesterday I was doing my final cut of my short grass and between over thirty fence post and a gate I counted 218 little ladybirds. Some appeared to be perhaps hibernating whilst other were lapping up the sun's rays. My barrel pond is doing well but I could do with some snails as there is some algae growing ( they do eat algae?). My other small pond which has been made from just black plastic and a piece of old breathable caravan cover, has regular visiting toad. Its certainly not the best pond and the water levels do go up and down dependent on the weather, but the fact that a toad likes it is good enough for me plus there is a large wood pile right next door. When I look at all the places frogs and toads do the deed, most locations are pretty shallow and often completely dry out at some point during the time the tadpoles are there so even less survive and yet they come back ever year and use the same place. I guess that's nature for ya. Anyway I'm thinking my wee pond might just be the right place for a family! I've had my larger pond hole dug now for about two years but just not been able to afford the liner yet! And there is good drainage so it's not going to fill up naturally. The planting wild bulbs, I had never thought of that before as we have a couple of areas with trees (mini woodland) and I want to clear it to let more light in for the grass to grow as one part always got flooded due to an overflowing ditch. So I am very interested in that as a project going forward, Thanks again. 🍂🕸🕷🐞🐌🦋🐛🪶

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Archie, thanks so much for this, was really good to read about all the grateful creatures making the most of your garden, and clearly it's providing the exact habitat ladybirds need, so well done! Any source of water is good for some creatures and that toad sounds pretty happy. We sell the pond snails on the website, aside from everything else needed to make the pond and I'd happily advise on sizing etc so you don't over-order and spend unnecessarily, when you're ready. We also have the bulbs for sale now and if you drop us a line at [e-mail] I can recommend species and quantities for the area/s you have in mind. Very best wishes, Joel

[@christineyoung7129]

Just found your Chanel I’m looking to plant a tree and also fill my native hedgerow this Autumn will go back on your videos 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Christine, glad you found us! Welcome to the channel and I hope you find the videos useful, if you need any advice re species/quantities etc and you're in the UK then drop us a line at www.wildyourgarden.com and we'll be happy to help :) Best wishes, and thank you for the support - Joel

[@LibertarianGalt]

Love this 😊

[@waynejones1054]

Great video. Very enjoyable, informative and motivational. Plenty of ideas to go on - thank you.👍👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Wayne, so much - really glad this was helpful and am very grateful for your encouragement and support, it means a lot. Very best wishes, Joel

[@alexandracabral2034]

I live in Yorkshire and regularly see Sparrow Hawkes, Periguiene Falcon and Red Kites too.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Definitely envious Alexandra, particularly the peregrine falcon sightings, magnificent birds :) Best wishes, Joel

[@davidcobb8422]

Another brilliant video Joel & your book is outstanding mate.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you David, so much. I really appreciate it and thank you for the feedback on the book, we're close to circa 20k books being sold now and I'm thrilled that more and more people are considering nature when gardening. I'm so grateful to the regular viewers like you that give me regular encouragement, it really makes a difference. Best wishes, Joel

[@keithroberts42]

Look forward to checking out the new website, and new products, I need some items for my Christmas list for the family so I will have a peruse. I have a Robin who seems to be using my garden as his territory so I want to give him a hand through winter too. Regards Keith

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Keith, as you know already we lose so many birds due to malnourishment, a lack of natural food and of course these bitter winter nights. Your Robin will be grateful, I'm sure. There's so many more products to bring to you guys, but you know already that I'm determined to work with like-minded people and always with wildlife at the forefront of any decision I make. I really appreciate all the support you've shown me, through thick and thin. Very best wishes, Joel

[@kimwatts5750]

Thank you Joel for sharing😀

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome Kim, glad you enjoyed this :) Welcome to the channel, and best wishes - Joel

[@blue2mato312]

Hi Joel, it’s been a while because of difficult a loss this year. I talked to you a year or so ago on twitter, and it was my intention of making one or more container ponds this summer. Well at least I got as far as buying a big builders/cement container and brought it to my familys summer place. I will unfortunately have to put it somewhere hidden because my sister does not agree with my wildlife plans, so I haven’t figured it all out yet. It’s the quite big «garden» , mostly wild nature with pines and heather, bedrock and no soil to dig in Norway. But the,best days I had this summer a friend helped me hang more birdboxes, some far up in trees and camouflaged them a bit. Sis only found one to be mad about so far lol. I managed one more project (still not discovered) planting a Rosa Helenae (the honeyrose) in a couple of crate collars filled with good soil. It was much harder work than anticipated dragging the soil over there, but at least I managed in the end. I’m hoping it survives and will thrive up two pine trees and in time bring a big burst of flowers both pretty, scented and wonderful for bees and other insects. I think it produces hips as well, but I never understand why the birds haven’t eaten the hips from the native dog roses so I’m not sure they will be food from Miss Helenae. It can climb up to 10 meters in my climate and that is a rare thing in my country compared to rambling roses in Britain. Finally with my friend, I this summer I saw for the first time in many years since I put them up signs that my batboxes are being used! I was getting really worried that they were placed wrong. Just signs on the boxes themselves, I haven’t been down to see them fly in. I’m constantly worried about the bats, they have been hunting in front of the cottage since I was little (probably before that too), but they have become fewer. This year I saw something of a sky battle between two of them, I think. Never saw that before. This place is rural, but with more and more inhabitants building and moving in. Meadows are lost to houses. The forest have been partially cut all down for wood after many years. I’m very concerned about keeping and helping the local wildlife, as to me it’s a little paradise and there’s rare insects, endangered birds and bats around. I have some years in a row now found one single glow worm, with many years without any. My grandfather used to see lots of them. Nobody I have talked to have seen them they have become very rare. Late summer there was a wolf sighting a km away across a part of the forest and it crossed the car road early in the morning, exciting. A couple of weeks ago I stayed there and there were moose tracks one day, it must have wandered around at night or the morning ❤ I wish I could shop at your expanded shop. Perhaps you could contact the Natur og Fritid online shop, I know they sell some British feeders and nestboxes, would be great if I could buy your things here. Best wishes!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So sorry to hear this, really I am. I'm glad you have paradise around you, although I appreciate some species are depreciating, but you're doing everything you can (that your sister will allow! ;) ) Drop me a line at [e-mail] so we can catch up properly, I'd love to find out more about Natur og Fritid of course but also it will be easier to catch up properly - take good care and hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes as always, Joel

[@louiselund2419]

I hope you one day will ship around the world 🌎

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I do too Louise, it's something I'm definitely planning so please keep in touch over the new year, I'm headed to Europe, Canada and hopefully the USA too. We need to ensure that what we're selling and advising on relates to each area but I'm determined that my viewers from abroad can find everything they need too. Very best wishes, and thank you - Joel

[@ChopsyMiche]

Awwwww such a beautiful video, and such a wonderful way to spread the love and joy of caring for our much loved and adored wildlife. I'm lucky that as a kid I grew up in the countryside, and my dear mum cared deeply for the wildlife and taught me so much. I began helping her feed the birds from such a young age. I really do adore the birds so much more than I could possibly express. They all have their very own little characters and behaviours. I mean have you noticed how greenfinches always look like they are frowning and look grumpy💜 And the cute little sparrows are so very mischievous, they really are norty, but in the cutest way ever😘 I could go on... but I won't. A truly lovely video which is perfectly timed. You are right about Nov 5th, listening to what you said about it reminded me of my mum, She always said the exact same thing. Until next time, thank you🌻

[@george-1961]

Bought that book before you opened your online shop Joel 😊. Also do not put straw in hedgehog box, leave straw in a bucket tipped on its side where hedgehogs will take as they please, but wear gloves when loading it .If they smell human hands on the straw they will not go in and prefer to line it themselves. Love the hedgehog box, looks well made Joel 👌🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks George, good advice :) It's definitely best to provide the material they need in your wildlife garden and naturally, but some straw scattered definitely helps. You've been there since the beginning George and I'm so grateful for all your support through these years. I really appreciate it. Best wishes, Joel

[@george-1961]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Not as grateful as I am Joel 😉I learnt so much from your videos and the garden is coming on nicely with all the seeds bought from you. Will be putting new orders in soon. Keep up the good cause buddy 😊

[@maureenmoran5465]

I’ve just filled one of the hedgehog houses with straw today ( wearing gloves) I will take it out tomorrow and put it in a bucket close to the hedgehog house. Thank you 👍

[@george-1961]

@@maureenmoran5465 good to hear 😊

[@erint5373]

Hats off to you, great website (have had a look) and lovely to see someone like you really try to turn the tide for our earth companions 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Erin, I really do appreciate this and am so grateful. Best wishes, Joel

[@Readingandgardening]

I sat eating my breakfast watching blue tits, a robin, sparrows and gold finches eating sunflower hearts and fat balls in my front garden this morning. It made my day seeing the fluffy blue tits, they’re my absolute favourite. Thanks for this, your videos are great. 👍🏻😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Sounds idyllic Liz, and thanks so much for the support and encouragement, it means a lot :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Tuppyandizzy]

A quality update never harmed anyone. Congratulations on the new updated shop and the shopping list of course, mate. Best wishes .

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Ameed, great to hear from you, so good to see all the updates recently. Thanks so much for the support and continued encouragement, I'm still determined to get out to you soon. Stay safe, best wishes - Joel

[@helenanderson-smith5605]

As always a great video Joel. I'm always inspired after watching them. A small tip I have is, if you don't have a fat ball feeder is to buy the fat balls, and grate it and mix in with the bird seed.. I've found that as well as the small birds, the bigger birds love it too. Be aware though... it disappears quickly. 😂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

This is a great idea Helen, I have done this before in very cold winters and I'm so glad that you're not against feeding the bigger birds who are so very grateful for a food source too. They're all born to want to survive and it's really disheartening hearing some people say "my food's being eaten by pigeons/doves, how do I stop this?" so it's great that you consider them too. So glad you enjoyed the video, lots more to come and some epic ones for winter evening viewing real soon :) Very best wishes, and thank you again - Joel

[@SisterDogmata]

I will try this! Great idea.

[@blue2mato312]

This is a brilliant idea! I was just thinking how lovely your birdmix looks Joel and that I can’t buy it in Norway. Instead I can do this. Thank you Helen!

[@theconsistentnoddy9851]

Hi Joel I’m ordering both your hedgehog feeding station & house for Christmas & although I know you’ve had them made from wood that doesn’t necessarily need treating is there anything you can recommend for painting on the outside to just add another level of protection? Thanks 👍

[@eywasdaughter]

Hi Joel! Thanks for another great video. You have the nicest channel on KZbin 👍. I love the birds - the sight and sound of them in the garden has literally been a lifeline for me 🙂. We have a pair of young robins this year, and one in particular has become a litle friend - it comes to the window and chirps to tell me when the bird table needs restocking with suet! 😅 Not got it feeding from my hand yet but it comes right next to me. 🌿🐦 Unfortunately we had some rats move in to the neighborhood so I can't put seed out at the moment; but the suet and some powdered softbill food seems ok as it doesn't get scattered on the floor by the other birds as much. I've tried your seed before though and can highly recommend it - wonderful stuff! Hoping to order some more in the future.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello there! Thanks so much, and I'm very sure that the Robin will be settled nicely into your hand soon - I'm sure their confidence and friendliness are a factor in them being Britain's Favourite Bird! So glad the WYG bird seed was good, it'll be this time of year and the following months that they'll really appreciate it. Hope you and yours are keeping well, and thanks again for all the encouragement and support. Best wishes, Joel

[@matthewgardiner6793]

Morning Joel, once again thanks for another informative video, although here in NZ we are into the second month of Spring your video is still very relevant never hurts to be reminded or informed of ways in helping wildlife no matter where or what season.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Matthew, good morning! So good to hear from you. Thanks so much for your continued support, have a great week out there and enjoy the spring - very best wishes, Joel

[@MT-zn6tc]

Hi Joel, after watching many of your videos multiple times, we're making the first of two wildlife ponds in our garden. The smaller is going to be used for practice (although we'll be keeping it). The dimensions are 4.6 x 2.2 m and a depth of approx 0.6m at the deepest. Along the longer side there is a drop in the garden of around 240mm. Could you do a 'pond' video and explain how you would manage this and maintain a natural look of a pond on a slight incline? Thanks, Martyn & Louise, West Yorkshire, UK.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Martyn and Louise, I do offer an onsite consultation service, it's just that there are so many videos yet to upload that I may not get a chance to be filming one of these again soon enough for you. If you wanted to send an email to [e-mail] I will happily advise. Apologies that this isn't an immediate solution of course, but I am willing to help :) Very best wishes, Joel

[@maureenmoran5465]

I’ve tried and now order regularly the seed mix, all the birds really love it and it’s delivered to the door so don’t even need to leave the house😂 definitely recommend it about to order the flutter butter excited 😊😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Maureen, thanks so much for this. Blowing my own trumpet a bit here but it really is the perfect mix for so many birds and it doesn't last long in my feeders! The flutter butter is just as popular, the house sparrows quickly found it too. Best wishes, and thanks so much again for your support, its appreciated. Joel

[@sandraparkin9372]

Goldfinch also love my Ragwort seeds.

[@zombryn]

Afternoon Joel, I've been watching your videos for the last week or so and really enjoy them. I'm wondering if you've covered cats (be it your own or other peoples) in the garden. How best to make sure any birds and pond life can be safer from them and even how to deter cats altogether if you don't want them in your garden. Thanks again for the amazing content, can't wait to get my pond sorted!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there! This is something I really should do, particularly because I have cats as neighbours both sides. Best thing is suitable shrubs with prickly leaves and spines and putting the feeders close to these. I do have fence-spikes (they're cat friendly in that they don't do harm, just discourage and prevent them landing on or utilising the fence to climb over). I like cats, used to have two many years ago, but they really do cause detriment to our birds here in the UK - I also remember a study a few years ago in Europe and it was claimed that the number of birds killed by cats in France and Belgium alone had increased by 50% in just 15 years. I'm also pretty sure that studies proved that cats killed about 2 million prey animals/birds in ONE year in the UK. If you want any advice on small trees/shrubs that are a good deterrent we will have many bare-root species available soon - drop me a line at [e-mail] if you need any help. Best wishes, and thank you for your support, Joel

[@zombryn]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Hey Joel, thanks so much for taking the time to respond and for the excellent information provided. I'll absolutely be dropping you an email soon! :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@zombrynYou're very welcome, look forward to receiving it - best wishes, Joel

[@blue2mato312]

I have looked into a very american device which looks like some military thing but is a big water gun set off by movement. I really don’t want such a thing though, nor does my family so unfortunately neighbourhood cats still hunt birds at the summer cottage. My balcony birds in the city are safe from them at least. I have no chance at all planting prickly shrubs or putting up a fence around the garden even if I wanted to. I wish cat owners could be made aware of the damage they do letting cats roam, friends or aquaintances with cats get very defensive if I bring this up. They don’t believe cats do such damage, or at least not their cat. They think it’s animal cruelty to not let their cat roam free etc.

[@blue2mato312]

I have looked into a very american device which looks like some military thing but is a big water gun set off by movement. I really don’t want such a thing though, nor does my family so unfortunately neighbourhood cats still hunt birds at the summer cottage. My balcony birds in the city are safe from them at least. I have no chance at all planting prickly shrubs or putting up a fence around the garden even if I wanted to. I wish cat owners could be made aware of the damage they do letting cats roam, friends or aquaintances with cats get very defensive if I bring this up. They don’t believe cats do such damage, or at least not their cat. They think it’s animal cruelty to not let their cat roam free etc.

[@janiedunn637]

❤ watching this, Joel. I’ve got a few ideas going through my head about things in my back garden. I’ve got a rowan tree in my front garden which is slightly taller than my 🏠. It’s a thin one & I’m going to get it trimmed down early next year. Your advice is much appreciated.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Janie - I'd come to do it myself for you if you weren't so far away, but send a photo of it showing the entire tree if you can (sounds like you might have to do it from the opposite side of the street!) and I'll do my best to advise, you don't want a good-intentioned arborist coming round and taking too much away. [e-mail]. Best wishes, Joel

[@janiedunn637]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I warned my hubby about not doing it himself with ladders 🪜 & a chainsaw. He’s got osteoarthritis in his knees. The robin likes to perch on it & sing outside my bedroom window 🪟

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@janiedunn637 not suggesting hubby would do it wrong, but there are of course lots of dangers with ladders and chainsaws, I'm a qualified aborist but I don't take jobs that unnecessarily cut down trees, but if they need surgery it's totally different. Let me know if you need advice Janie, once I see photos it may well be that it doesn't need coppicing etc.

[@alexarmstrong1134]

Thank you 👍🇨🇦

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Alex, glad you enjoyed this - best wishes, Joel

[@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker]

Would love a video if you haven't already made it on living with squirrels and birds. All the feeders you showed would be either emptied or destroyed by squirrels in my wildlife garden. Over the years I have bought a number of squirrel proof feeders and most end up in the bin destroyed. As for things like the Flutter Butter that would end up empty on the floor so thoughts on real squirrel proof bird feeders would be helpful. Lastly I would point out I am not against squirrels and in fact they do have their on feeder.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Dave - firstly, I just subscribed to your channel, I saw "film maker" in your name. I remember the Jack Hargreaves programmes when I was very young, watching with my mother and it's SO good to see them uploaded and in one place - this will prove great viewing during the darker evenings and would recommend your channel! Secondly, we do have 100% squirrel proof feeders on the website and the design is guaranteed, more to be uploaded this week, we're adding new products daily and it takes a while. So glad that you're not against squirrels either, I have a few visit the garden (the one featured in the video is on my own nut feeder in my garden) and I always remember that they didn't swim here, they were introduced by humans and are hunted and killed in the wild here in great numbers (I do understand why) although all they're programmed to do is to survive, same as any other bird/animal. But I will do a video on these new squirrel proof feeders. Thank you and best wishes, Joel

[@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Hi Joe thanks for subscribing and thanks for the info. I am not sure many people are aware that here in the New Forest red squirrel hunting, "Squogging" was a very popular New Forest sport back in the early 1900's. They used to throw a club of wood weighted with lead (a bit like a policeman's truncheon) called a "Squoyle" at the squirrels to kill them. It is said that "New Years Day was a great date for this squirrel slaying enterprises. They hunt them from tree to tree and wherever one shows round a trunk or branch, whang goes a "squoyle" at him". Even an Act of Parliament to protect the Red did not seem to stop it and I think from what I have read it was only the lack of the poor creatures that brought it to an end. Therefore I feel this sport in fact destroyed the red squirrel population in the New Forest and blaming the grey for it is not entirely correct. I have for sometime wanted to make a video on this but unfortunately it is still on my list.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@DaveKnowlesFilmmakerWow, thanks for this Dave, really very interesting. I didn't know any of that so I've learned something new today and something I won't forget. I know the feeling re "backed-up" videos that are either yet to be edited and uploaded or indeed filmed at all! I work all over the country and would really love to keep in touch if ok with you and visit the area where you are - do feel free to drop me an email at [e-mail] as I'd love to talk further. Nostalgia... often ignoring facts about some awful practices back then, but I'm glad I know this now, I really appreciate it.

[@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Hi Joel I have sent you an email.

[@SisterDogmata]

Hey Joel! Great advice and such amazing products! Loving those house martin boxes I've never seen anything like that before. It doesn't take much to create habitats either, and the benefits are amazing. Hope you and yours are all well. Best wishes.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello over there! Thank you, very much. We've got more products to feature and introduce you to but I'm determined that the products are of course ones I use on my own projects and no fancy unnecessary stuff that might look pretty but is actually not needed! So true re the habitats, and I'm so pleased that your garden is still bringing you joy every day :) Best wishes, Joel

[@karlitobergkamp8082]

Hi Joel brilliant video as usual and some fantastic looking new products on sale 😊 I’ve got the book and lent it to several on my customers over tue years who have then gone on to order a copy 👍🏻 keep the videos coming without all your work this info wouldn’t get out there!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, as ever. It seems that you've been there since the start, encouraging me and supporting me and it really doesn't go unnoticed and I'm so very grateful. Very best wishes, as always - Joel

[@adevonnaturegarden]

Going to try the flutter butters when it comes to our next Fat Ball comparison... We only have metal parts feeders due to the local squirrels, although we don't need cutlery, we have Spaniels 😂😂 Filling feeders all i use is a plastic water bottle with the base cut off. Remove the cap and a concentrated flow into the feeders. As for shrubs, I have looked at your 15 varieties video and am making a list ready for pay day. I have Mahonia just about to flower ready for 'warmer' winter days. I do need more native though. I have seen the videos of masses of Wrens heading to those woven type roost pouches... Definitely making more boxes this autumn. We have a Sparrow terrace on the rear of our house and luckily they use this. As for bulbs, the list was made yesterday. I get paid on Friday so next weekend is a 'garden' weekend 😊 and the pond is definitely coming. The book is here on the bedside cabinet too lol

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much for this, really appreciated. Yes, Spaniels are way more affective than kitchen knives, a lot easier to cuddle too! I've got 1 x Malinois, 1 x Malinois/GSD and 1 x GSD/Malamute, all rescues and all love keeping the garden "secure" - even if it means jumping in my pond :/ Hope to see you at the www.wildyourgarden.com online shop real soon - we're always here to offer advice and are happy to do so, just drop us a line at any time. Very best wishes, Joel

[@adevonnaturegarden]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton what a great pack you have! I will imagine our two will love our pond too once its in! Yeah, browsing it as we speak ☺️☺️

[@UkAmphibians]

Amazing video once again joel thanks for sharing 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks so much, a pretty epic one this time but so much info to share, no doubt most of this you're already implementing though :) Hope you and yours are well - best wishes as always, Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton always a pleasure watching your videos mate 🐸💚🐸

[@evalindell2757]

Already bought your book!! 👌 Do you ship bird boxes or anything outside of UK? If not, when I go next time do you have any place were I can buy the things you showed over counter or come and pick up?? I really like this video exept for you appologizing! No need to! It is so good to see what kind of birds eat what and how the different boxes look like. I can recomend one thing. If you are building a shed or smaller building do not make a concrete slab. Undeerneath our small guest house lives a hedgehog or two. We loove it but not our dog… 😁

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Eva, thank you so much for this, really appreciated :) We're working on shipping overseas but it's a long process and a lot involved, although it's my desire to bring WYG worldwide of course! Drop us a line at [e-mail] and if you're headed this way I can ensure we have the items for you and hopefully we can meet up in person :) Great advice re the shed, thank you - speak soon I hope - best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@evalindell2757]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshtonThank You! We go once a year to somewhere in the UK. We went several times before but trying to bring it down to a minimal as it is never good to fly, take the train or drive that far. We were in London in the middle of March and we are both lunginflammation to go back already 😂 I hope we will drive next summer and if we do ( either with one of my girlfriends or my husband) I will ask you were we can meet up. It would be great 😁 Looking forward to next video 🥰

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@evalindell2757Brilliant, keep in touch Eva and we'll hopefully meet up next year. Lots more videos to come, thanks again for all your support and encouragement, it's appreciated. Best wishes to you and yours - Joel

[@casperjohansson7499]

Much love from Sweden! Those 3d printed houses look absolutely amazing! Do you ship to the nordic countries btw? Would love to see if we can collaborate from over here, lots of good info to unpack here, we just planted some flowering bulbs today and our birdfeeder have had at least 15 visitors at a time!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Casper - please PLEASE send me an email to [e-mail], I'd really love to speak to you further about this and the opportunities that are there. I'd also love to see some photos of your bird feeders, sounds quite heavenly. Thanks ever so much, love gratefully received - very best wishes to you and yours, Joel

[@casperjohansson7499]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton will do! I'm procrastinating on some heavy exams for my master so it might be awhile :s also I found this cool study "Impacts of sights and sounds on anxiety relief in the high-density city" nature sounds have a huge benefit on reducing anxiety (like we didn't know that already)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Whenever you're ready, so am I :) Good luck with the exams and let me know how you get on, drop me an email when you can and we can keep in touch until you're less busy - I'd like to see that study but as you say, we know this already from personal experience. Thanks ever so much, hope to hear from you soon. Very best wishes, Joel

[@merrim7765]

What do you do to keep wasps from invading your birdhouses? I'm in the US. Thanks!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Merrim, I believe most wasps nests are only created when a nest box is empty. I've heard a few times about people using a bar of soap and rubbing this around the inside of the roof of the box, apparently it's a great deterrent to wasps and not harmful to the birds - definitely don't use any insecticides etc (not that you probably would!) as this will harm birds and their young - but do try a good old-fashioned soap, natural if possible :) Hope this helps, best wishes - Joel

[@merrim7765]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you Joel! I'll try that. Also, after watching this video, I ordered and just received your book, "Wild your Garden" and Iove it. I am a beginner gardener and it's very inspiring and approachable.

[@kevinking7860]

Thanks

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Kevin, I really appreciate this - best wishes, Joel

[@catherinehenderson627]

Last year house sparrows built a nest in the upper corner of our open porch. We spent weeks not using the front door so we didn’t disturb them. My husband removed the nest after the second brood had fledged. Will they return

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Catherine, sparrows and most birds won't use the same nest twice, more often than not due to hygiene (old egg casings, sometimes chicks that don't make it etc) and although they will use the same area, they will make new nests, so no harm done - I do hope that they utilise the porch again next year, it's very likely a good spot :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Liberté-bell]

Advice please: I have a wildlife garden but also cats. I feed the birds up high but have never put bird boxes up for fear of fledglings getting caught by cats and foxes. However, you mention boxes for winter roosting. Especially wrens. (UK) I have wrens in my hedges. What sort and where is the best place to put the boxes for winter roosting only? Thank you. xxxxx

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Liberte :) North or east facing wall, at 1.8-3 metres above the ground to ensure no cats can access them, hopefully the wrens and other birds will have woken up way before the cats and be away and foraging - hope this helps, best wishes - Joel

[@Liberté-bell]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you so much! xxx

[@sailor_stine]

Keep your cats indoors.

[@Liberté-bell]

@@sailor_stine what...all the neighbour's cats? Could cause a few problems...! 🤔Bit silly.

[@kevinking7860]

I have to wire my feeders to the branches and hooks because if I use string the rooks and crows untie it and drop the feeders on the ground

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Kevin, that made me laugh, not at your expense of course but I can just imagine it! I do love Corvids for their ingenuity and general intelligence :) Best wishes, Joel

[@kevinking7860]

If you think that’s funny you should hear my rat story 😂

[@johnab7]

I need a pole that I can wind up and down that I can fit bird feeders too to keep feeders out of reach of cats! Similar to umbrella used on garden tables. I have no tree! Any ideas?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi John, apologies for the delay in acknowledging you, just trying to catch up with everyone. If you wanted to send a photo or two of the garden to me at [e-mail] I'll happily offer advice and alternatives to trees. Very best wishes, Joel

[@growjunkieradio]

GoodVibes

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, appreciated :)

[@wahiine]

Thanks for this! 🌸🐦‍⬛I am wondering if you have any tips for keeping the bird bath thawed? I live in Norway so it’s already frozen. I add some hot water every day now but this is time consuming and won’t work for the days I am travelling or too busy

[@jordanbeagle5779]

A floating plastic ball will prevent it up to a point. Think maybe 1 or 2 table tennis balls.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there @wahiine - Jordan is right below, particularly if you are away - I did upload this video last year that may well help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV7QeGiipbOrhc0 Best wishes - Joel

[@wahiine]

@@jordanbeagle5779 thanks, that’s very helpful 🙏

[@blue2mato312]

I live in Norway too and I think I have seen heated birdbaths to keep them icefree. But this is quite some years ago now, I believe I saw them in the magazine Hagen for alle which is sadly discontinued. Now at -15 C where I live everything freezes again very fast if you thaw or put out fresh water.

[@dorothybutterfield8428]

I provide a nut feeder box for the squirrels

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

This is the perfect way to keep them distracted from the feeders Dorothy :) Best wishes, Joel

[@sailor_stine]

Any advice re: free roaming cats? (and do you know of any legislation upcoming to address this massive problem)

[@catherinehenderson627]

I use a jam funnel to fill my feeders so it doesn’t spill

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Great idea Catherine, I forgot to say on the video that we do sell an ideal scoop for the bird food and feeders, so much to remember! Best wishes, Joel

[@Sylvie_M]

I have recently read an opinion, that particularly in cold climates where we have freezing winters, we should not feed birds in summer. There is apparently some evidence that young birds are suffering from not learning how to forage if their primary food source is a (human) feeder.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Sylvie, I've not come across this info before. According to RSPB in the UK it's suggested that birds are fed all year round to help supplement any natural food, purely because there is insufficient foraging - I do believe that they'll come to a feeder if necessary but will always choose insects etc, particularly when raising young (there's no food out there that can give the moisture needed, other than live mealworms) so hopefully the young will be taught by the parents. I'd always supplement and provide food in winter, particularly harsh ones though when there is a total lack of insects available and any larvae/grubs covered by deep snow or frozen ground etc. Best wishes, Joel

[@seasonallyferal1439]

I live in a forest in Canada. Most our birds are smart enough to leave for the winter.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Have to say that living in a forest sounds idyllic, but I expect it's not so easy during winter. Best wishes, Joel

[@seasonallyferal1439]

@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks it is, but you are right. There are some challenges. Wouldn't trade it for anything though.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@seasonallyferal1439I'm hopefully due in Canada next year for a project- keep in touch as I'll be updating nearer the time and hopefully I can come and see this paradise you call home :)

[@mathildegrey]

Do they open for cleaning? Very needed feature.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely they do - I'll be doing a specific video on all the boxes, the benefits, the best places to put them and how best to secure them etc, just didn't want to make the video even longer this time :) Best wishes - Joel

[@peterfrost547]

Hi Joel, I think this video broke your online shop - can't seem to order your book. I didn't know you had one, can't wait to get it!!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Peter. Thanks so much. If it’s possible for you to send an email to [e-mail], the team will pick it up tomorrow and we will be able to process the order. Sorry for the inconvenience - the online shop has only today shifted from our old site and no doubt there are going to be a couple of small snags to sort over the next few days. Rest assured we have copies of the book and will be able to post to you as soon as possible. Thanks Peter and speak soon. All the best. Joel 😊👍

[@marksiezure3285]

Beautiful garden bench. Good info also. Are UK robin's and American robin's from different families? They look nothing alike. No wonder British children's literature (like The Secret Garden' and 'The Railroad Children') make robin's seem so cute. For us in The US, American robins do not appear cute.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Mark - the garden bench is my mother-in-law's, my father-in-law rescues lots of items when landscaping and building and seeing items easily recyclable, it definitely has a rustic feel, but another item saved from heading to landfill! Your wonderful (!) American Robin is more closely related to our Blackbirds and Song Thrushes I believe. Yes, Robins here are definitely heavily featured in children's literature and of course a myriad of Christmas items! Best wishes to you and yours Mark - Joel

[@NaturePondAdventure]

What would be your recommended way of attaching a bird box to a tree? I'd like to buy some but worry about damaging the trees. Should I just hammer in nails?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, will be doing a video on this shortly as I have many to put up at a client's soon and they want as many and as varied as possible. In the meantime, it really does depend on the tree and it's health, but I'd never recommend anything into the tree as it can cause susception to diseases etc and exacerbate things if the health is already bad. Will try to post the other video as soon as I've installed the boxes - best wishes, Joel

[@blue2mato312]

I think pines must tolerate this very well because all my birdboxes are nailed into pines 😅 I have seen some hang birdboxes by tying it to the tree, but I’m guessing you must reposition it every so often so the tree dosen’t get strangled as it grows.

[@johnfoster3286]

My biggest problem is a pack of grey squirrels living in a supermarkets oak trees that thieve any bird food that is put out.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I can certainly help there John, if you're in the UK. If you go to www.wildyourgarden.com we've just uploaded many new products including 100% guaranteed squirrel proof feeders, which should save on costs of "wasted" bird food :) Best wishes, Joel

[@j.cr.1207]

Do you have any tips to prevent snakes from getting to the bird houses? That's a problem we have, they eat the eggs and baby birds. Thank you SO much for your teachings!!!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there :) I am assuming you're not in the UK as we don't have this problem here, however I know in the States for example they use what is called a "stovepipe baffle" or "snake guard" - it might be best to google it to find what is available in your area but they are apparently effective and no harm done to the snakes or other predators, which is most important. Thank you for your encouragement and support, best wishes - Joel

[@Lacking_something]

Don't apologise for flogging your own products, even if you weren't providing all the great free content, you're perfectly entitled to earn an honest bob.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Neil, I really appreciate this. I'm determined that the shop not only offers the very same products that I use in my own client projects, from liner to fleece to subsoil to the plants and wildlife boxes, but that every single item is useful and guaranteed to work. I'm not about encouraging more consumerism with fancy items that just aren't required (bird houses like teapots, caravans etc) but items that are vital to make a cohesive wildlife garden work and of course to provide refuge and food for our creatures already desperately in need of our help. As a small business there's a lot of hard work involved and using several growers and suppliers means that everything is available in one place now and people don't have to pay several delivery charges from various sites to achieve what I relay in the book and on this channel. Thanks again, this is a wonderful comment to receive on a Monday morning :) Best wishes, Joel

[@paulgrayson8799]

Can I ask, I build successful bird boxes, with you saying about birds roosting in bird boxes, I know we are to take the old nest out of the box. Would you leave the old nest in the box for the winter for warmth or when would take the old nest out? Cheers Paul

[@blue2mato312]

I have wondered about this as well. I have heard the advice of cleaning them out when it’s subzero (celsius), but that is because the bird flees are dormant then. I must confess I have some bird boxes in a summer place that I just can’t possibly clean out myself because of how high up a tree a friend put them, and one of these has been nested in several years in a row now successfully. with blue tits. Two others also high up trees I finally got checked after hanging there for about 4 years and there were only signs of roosting, no nests just droppings so at least they are useful in my cold climate even without a nest.

[@CheshireCat6639]

I know there will be an explanation,but i ponder why don't little birds go in the nest boxes to get away from the harsh weather? I have had a blue tit family for the past 2 years plus a wild garden (aka a mess according to my brother)😂...i have bird feeders but not used much as neighbours do not have any trees or shrubs in their gardens😢 great stream ty Joel🎉..oh you did cover this after my question..just ive never seen birds in my nest box out of breeding season?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

They do, they really do - we probably just don't get to see the boxes being used while we're tucked up in our own beds, birds are literally up at dawn and of course our Robins have learned to sing before sunrise to try to make themselves heard over increasing traffic noise and other noise pollution. Keep on with the bird feeders, you're providing a vital oasis, even if you don't see them all the time, they're grateful, I promise :) Best wishes, and thank you - Joel

[@CheshireCat6639]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton that is great to hear...I am loving the fact that the little birds may be hankering down in the bird box..also on the 🦔🦔🦔sad decline due to habitat etc...I think that new builds should have to be made to make a hog gap on the fencing so that they can walk their miles through our gardens..maybe an email to my local MP I think? Thanks again for your fabulous easy to listen streams and to help us understand all garden nature has to offer...so we can help 🐦🐿🐾🦔🐸🐛🦋🐌🐜🐝🐞🕷🌾

[@Englandforever555]

Any advice how to stop the pigeons from eating everything. I love pigeons and don't want them to starve but they eat everything in seconds. Thanks.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, thank you. I'm not sure how you would stop them aside from placing a small amount on the ground that they'll benefit from but not be able to gorge on of course, the rest to go in bird-feeders which they won't be able to get - although I have seen the collared doves in my garden attempting to land on the feeders, hence me putting it on the floor. Sorry I can't be of more help than that - best wishes, Joel

[@janemalins3092]

I once had a garden full of Blue Tits , Dunnocks, Greenfinch, Bullfinche etc but then my old man started putting stale bread on the lawn out for the Jackdaws that nest in our chimney every year and the pigeons would join them , that dramatically decreased the smaller birds so he bought one of those feeding stations in the hope it would bring them back . Unfortunately it did not as the Jackdaws just pull/break and drop the containers on each arm and again seem to frighten the little birds away. I really don’t think these Jackdaws and Pigeons are going anywhere but does anyone know a way to feed the smaller birds that the larger birds can’t get to ?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Jane, forgive the plug here but we have recently worked with a supplier re 100% squirrel proof (and large bird) feeders - if you go to www.wildyourgarden.com and search for squirrel you'll see them there, they're designed to thwart squirrels and larger birds. I hope this helps, the smaller birds will come back, particularly in the winter of course. Very best wishes, Joel

[@janemalins3092]

Great , thanks for such a quick response .

[@Gibbons3457]

Note on bird feeding, you must, MUST, wash the feeders weekly at least. We've already seen Greenfinch populations crash due to feeder spread infections and Chaffinches are going the same way. Second feeding only benefits some species, blue tits and great tits do benefit but willow and marsh tits don't and feeders allow blue tits and great tits to out compete marsh and willow tits, as well as summer migrants like red start. So feed by all means but not too much and not too often.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - this is addressed in the video regarding bird feeder hygiene but it's an important message. It's not unheard of that Marsh Tits will come to gardens to use feeders in harsh weather, but they of course store food for the winter during the summer months (and will take food from feeders). In studies it's actually a loss of natural habitat (deadwood etc for nesting) that has had the most impact on decline in numbers (same applies to Willow Tits, loss of scrub and deciduous woodland etc) and that's exactly why I speak about and encourage more of these habitats via this channel, and not just in urban gardens of course. The more habitat, the more insects etc. Best wishes, Joel

[@lisaroberts8135]

Joel, I have sparrows , starlings an£ black birds in my garden! Which I love .But now I have a pair of magpies and and pair of crows which I don’t want . How do I discourage them !!

[@LlibertarianGalt]

I have both and they learn to live with the other birds in my area. Just takes some time for them to figure it out 😊

[@backyardmechanic921]

Be nice to have some wildlife to save. we live one house away from fields and theres nothing coming into the garden. All we see when we are out in the country is Buzzards and Kites looking for a meal. Too many sprays are used on farmland so theres nothing for what birds there are to eat. When I was a kid and thats over 70 years ago the countryside was alive with birds, most of them will be extinct in another ten years.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely this - it's one of the reasons I've been encouraging people to do all they can in their gardens and greenspaces to help with recovery, habitat in gardens is vital especially with farming practices over the years. You might be interested in an interview I did with Brett Westwood from Radio 4, he speaks exactly of this and the differences noted over the years, he has been keeping a diary since childhood and the changes are quite shocking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnbSnmSPgZ2JhLM Best wishes - Joel

[@blue2mato312]

This is so sad, and farming practices must really change or we will go down with our ecosystems. I do believe in ordinary people creating habitats in gardens and other green spaces offering a crucial lifeline before people with power comes around, we can’t just wait. When I was little driving out from the city to our rural summer cottage in Norway the bugs were always hitting our car windscreenwindow. Now they aren’t there.

[@jonethomas3892]

I bought Bird seed but they don't go on the feeders to eat it, same with peanuts yet they feed off the fat balls.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, sorry for the delay - I'm not suggesting this is the case but are the feeders near to cover? I often see people with bird feeders in the middle of the garden and no birds on them because they fear predation by sparrow hawks etc. Are you in the UK? Best wishes, Joel

[@patrickreddy9058]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Patrick and thank you for subscribing, it means a lot :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Walterwhite98765]

Do you deliver to Northern Ireland? 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Walter, we do on most products - if there's anything you see or particular want on the website then do drop us a line at [e-mail] and my colleague Jodie will be able to advise. Very best wishes - Joel

[@woodshypnotherapy5124]

What's the problem with squirrels feed them too all wildlife should be catered for we should be guardians

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Agreed - I do appreciate they can be a nuisance to some, but they didn't swim here... introduced by humans :)

[@digitalstowaway]

I would love to feed the birds but a local momma bear hits up all the feeders and can’t take chances!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Wow! We definitely don't have that problem here in the UK... not sure if I'm slightly jealous or not ;)

[@melissagibson4364]

We have grizzlies here! I was picturing an electric fence protected bird station haha

[@Frostie3672]

So annoyed that I had to pull all the berries off the two young guelder rose compactums I have in my garden as bloody pigeons were landing on the branches to get to the berries but they aren't strong enough to support their weight yet so they risked snapping them & these shrubs are slow growing as it is. So annoying as I discovered by watching them that they weren't interested in eating the berries anyway they were just pulling them off!

[@Lacking_something]

I can't get birds on my feeders for love nor money. Not sure whether the cats put them off, or there's just plentiful natural food around. I have seen goldfinches, robins, blue tits and sparrows in the shrubs/trees so i will persist.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I wish we didn't need to provide extra food all year round, but with an increasing lack of natural habitat due to sterile gardens and of course the changes in the wider countryside, it's pretty vital at this time of year and moving forward. Forgive me if you already do this, but I always ensure the feeders are as close to shrubs etc as possible but just out of reach of cats. A lot of people will stick bird feeders straight in the middle of a lawn (not suggesting for a moment you're doing this!) and it never works as the birds don't like being exposed to predators like sparrow hawks, who can pick them off like cherries in an open setting. It does sound like you're providing more than suitable habitat with the mention of trees and shrubs, but do try placing the feeders close to these if you can (and if you aren't already of course!). Let me know how you get on, but I promise the WYG bird seed is an absolute magnet for so many - and the straight sunflower hearts are gorged on by the goldfinches in my garden, along with chaffinch and greenfinch :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Lacking_something]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Actually the feeders might be a bit exposed... They're up a 9ft fence post (my wife is very understanding) but it could be closer to the greenery. I'll clean and restock the feeders this weekend, and as my wife will be out I'll take the opportunity to move the post nearer the house (and tree) and hope she doesn't notice

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@Lacking_something 🤣 They'll definitely feel safer there Neil, for sure. Once they're in the tree/shrubs they'll notice it and as the weather gets colder and there's less insects etc about they won't be able to resist. Hoping your wife won't resist either! Let me know how you get on - best wishes, Joel

[@blue2mato312]

@@Lacking_something How did it go? I hope you have happy birdies munching away now although they might be hiding from your wife 😄. I have done weird things hiding my wildlife projects from my sister at our old summer place, so I’m no stranger to this. Unfortunately the best camouflaged birdbox (camouflaged with birch bark)high up a tree got noticed straight away after I forgot to replace the hammer.

[@simonmiddleton4018]

Vote reform uk

[@JoelMunizVilla]

Nature is the best habitat for wild birds, then transforming your backyard into a dirty infested birdhouse full of continuous bird droppings every day WILL NEVER BE the most HYGIENIC and HEALTHY for the health of the inhabitants of any home; especially since there is a risk of infesting or starting an avian flu pandemic.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

This is what the channel is all about - habitat and natural food. Unfortunately, over the years natural habitat has been in massive decline and therefore our birds have too. If people feed birds and keep their yard continually full of bird-droppings at the same time then they've been misinformed. I think we're all certain that avian flu resulted from WATERFOWL being mass-factory-farmed and kept in less than suitable conditions, and due to human actions again our wild birds are suffering the consequences of these vile husbandry practices. I've never seen a yard covered in continuous bird-droppings to be honest. I've seen a massive decline in garden birds though due to our destruction of their habitat over the years - no habitat, no insects, no birds. Either way they suffer at the hands of us and it's up to us to help them recover. Thank you, Joel

[@blue2mato312]

I feed birds at two very different locations, one is a big (in my eyes at least 😅) «garden» a little over an acre of mostly nature on the edge of a wood, and one is my small city balcony. Out in the narure or garden, bird droppings are not really an issue but if spills of food and droppings accumulate it’s just right under a popular feeder. You can easily take care of this removing the spills or moving your feeder around so that it won’t accumulate. On my balcony it’s a bit harder avoiding droppings because the birds flock here the colder it gets and hangs out all day in freezing winter. But I still manage to keep them healthy, it’s more a problem of neighbours might complain and ban bird feeding. The bird flus have not originated in garden situations, it’s always kept birds in farming. And the one that ravaged our waterbirds originated in Asia I think.