Many birds start nesting and laying eggs in March, according to Monty Don
Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
12:54, 26 Feb 2026
More than 140 bird species have been observed in British gardens, though only 30 are frequent visitors(Image: Getty Images)
With spring almost here, gardeners across Britain will be itching to get back outside. But before doing so, it’s perhaps worth remembering a three-word phrase Monty Don swears by during March.
The horticulturalist and presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World advises people to ‘keep feeding birds’, even during fluctuating weather conditions at this time of the year. In a previous blog, Monty explained that most birds are nesting and laying eggs in March, which creates a greater need for energy.
“So this a time that puts great demands on their energy when there is not much natural food around so keep feeding the birds all month concentrating on high energy items such as fat, peanuts and sunflower seeds,” the expert wrote in 2024.
“Many creatures such as hedgehogs, bats, dormice, grass snakes, toads, newts and many butterflies will be starting to come out of hibernation or a state of torpor. Try not to disturb natural hibernation spots, especially if you are vigorously tidying up after a long winter.”
The horticulturalist and presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World advises people to ‘keep feeding birds'(Image: Getty Images)
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Figures from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggest that more than 140 bird species have been observed in British gardens, though only 30 are frequent visitors. While many birds enjoy fat, peanuts and sunflower seeds, others have specific preferences that may be worth keeping note of.
For instance, the RHS highlights these essential points:
Blackbirds and thrushes favour over-ripe apples, raisins and other fruitsNuthatches, sparrows and finches favour sunflower headsWrens and small birds favour chopped animal fat and grated cheeseFinches favour berry cakesGoldfinches favour niger seedStarlings favour peanut cakesTits favour insect cakes
Experts at the society have explained online: “Stocking your garden with a feast of seed-bearing and berrying plants is the most sustainable way to provide for garden birds. Supplementary feeding, however, can help fill seasonal gaps in natural foods and in new gardens where planting is still to mature.”
They added: “No-mess seed mixes are more expensive, but the inclusion of de-husked sunflower hearts means there is less waste and debris under the feeder. Inferior mixes are often padded out with lentils and wheat.”
Hedgehogs may start to come out of hibernation during March(Image: Getty Images)
In a separate blog post, Monty has previously advised that allowing leaf piles to build up under hedges and trees may also help other garden animals a great deal. This especially includes hedgehogs during colder weather because leaves provide ‘over-wintering cover’.
During 2024, he added: “…All of which gives essential winter protection for these small creatures that contribute so much to the garden’s health.”
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