A simple method to help smaller birds like robins, blue tits and wrens survive the winter without having to spend any money on bird feeders
Katherine McPhillips and Matt Lloyd
11:50, 31 Jan 2026
Leave leaf piles alone and it will attract more insects to your garden to feed birds(Image: Getty)
As the colder months set in, many gardeners may feel the urge to start tidying up their outdoor spaces in preparation for spring.
However, wildlife experts from Wildlife Trusts are urging gardeners to resist this urge and instead embrace a bit of messiness.
They argue that an untidy garden can actually be a lifeline for birds during the harsh winter months.
Read More: Gardeners urged to put a rock in your birdbath this February
They said: “Did you know there are things you can do to help wildlife without moving a muscle?”
Bird species such as robins, blue tits, and wrens are particularly vulnerable during the latter part of winter, as they rely heavily on insects for sustenance, which become scarce when the ground freezes over.
As insects begin to reappear in February with the gradual rise in temperature, having leaf piles scattered across your lawn can encourage these birds to forage in your garden.
One expert elaborated: “Leaving a duvet of leaves is a great way to provide a perfect hiding spot for insects that are shutting down until spring (insects’ version of hibernation is called diapause – basically pushing pause on their lifecycle! ).”
These leaf piles not only shield insects from the cold but also encourage them to lay eggs as soon as they awaken from their winter slumber, reports the Express.
The presence of more insects in your garden will attract smaller British birds like robins, providing them with an easily accessible food source and encouraging them to return to your property on a regular basis.
It’s a cost-free, natural method to support local wildlife, with the added advantage that decomposing leaves will enrich your lawn with vital nutrients.
As fallen foliage breaks down, it releases nitrogen into the soil – the key nutrient for promoting grass growth – meaning your lawn is more likely to emerge lusher and healthier when spring arrives.
Maintaining a slightly untidy garden is one of the simplest ways to provide food for birds during winter months.
However, if you prefer a tidier appearance, simply tucking leaves beneath hedges or shrubs can still prove beneficial for wildlife.
Beyond leaves, there are other ways to attract insects to your garden, as they’re also drawn to decomposing timber.
Simply leave sticks, old branches or wood piles undisturbed in your garden, and they’ll become a valuable feeding area for birds.
It’s important to note that pesticides, weed killers and other chemicals should be avoided in your garden if you’re feeding birds, as these substances can cause them serious harm.
The golden rule is to leave your garden as undisturbed as possible for as long as you can manage, and within the coming weeks you should begin to hear plenty of cheerful birdsong outside.
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