One of the first new GCSEs in a decade will teach students about the climate crisis, sustainability and the natural environment

Bird feeding is hugely satisfying for many gardeners. The British Trust for Ornithology have done research over many years relating to the pros and cons of bird feeding. In the light of the RSPB (Royal Society for Protection of Birds) withdrawing from sale all flat bottomed bird feeders in January 25 it is a good time to go through the best way to encourage birds into your garden and give them a good habitat and a good diet. Jon Carter who works with the BTO explains how supplementary feeding of birds has been shown to alter populations of birds generally favouring tits, woodpeckers and sparrow hawks (who prey on the birds we feed) . Jon explains how and what you feed the birds may depend partly on the situation (urban or rural) and the harshness of the weather.We should always do certain things, such as move the feeders regularly to prevent disease build up, disinfect bird feeders and water sources weekly, clean up under our feeders and most importantly and counterintuitively, if you spot a sick bird remove food and water vessels from them immediately which will limit congregation and so help slow down the spread of disease. The bird feeding industry is massive and growing: £380million pounds in the UK in 23, and it grew by £35 million from the previous year. We put out enough food to feed half the bird population. Half of all households in the UK feed the birds but are we doing the best thing for them? Jon explains how if you alter the type of feed, you put out you can alter the types of birds you attract. You can join the BTO www.bto.org, and contribute to their research on the populations of our birds and get much excellent information on birds from those that really know. Next week Jon and Bunny discuss more about increasing your bird pulling power! #birds #feedthebirds