In the winter, it is often more difficult for birds to find food. There are far fewer insects available and the cold weather means they need more energy, as their bodies are having to work harder to keep warm. Winter is also a time for holidays, like Christmas, and evergreen plants are often used to make decorations such as Christmas wreaths.
This activity is the perfect combination of winter craft and action to support your local wildlife – you’ll make a pretty decoration for the garden while simultaneously giving the birds a hearty Christmas dinner!
What you will need:
- Pine cones
- Long twigs
- Garden wire
- Soft lard
- Mixing bowl
- Holly and other leaves
- Bird seed, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese
- Dried fruits or unsalted nuts
How to make your Christmas wreath for the birds:
- Twist together some bundles of twigs.
- Fasten the bundles together with garden wire, into a ring shape. Use the picture above as a guide.
- Next, place the lard into a mixing bowl and squash into a smooth paste.
- Mix in the bird seed, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese.
- Smear the pine cones with the lard mixture.
- Decorate the newly smeared pine cones with the dried fruits, or unsalted nuts.
- Attach the pine cones to the wreath using shorter pieces of twisted garden wire.
- Add evergreen plants into your wreath for decoration.
- Hang the finished wreath in your the garden, for the birds’ Christmas treat!
Share photos of your Christmas wreaths using #DiscoverLearnPlay
