How to make a bird feeder

Would you like to see a variety of birds on your patch? If you leave out a tempting range of treats, including sunflower hearts and suet cakes you could be in with a chance of spotting rarely-seen goldfinches, woodpigeons and long-tailed tits.

For more information visit the National Trust website.

Stuff you'll need

• Large, open pine cones
• Vegetable fat or lard
• Small seed bird feed
• Mixing bowls
• String

Method

Step 1

Tie string to the top of your pine cone.

Step 2

Soften the vegetable fat with your hands or a stove.

Step 3

Add in the bird seed a bit at a time until it sticks together easily.

Step 4

Gently squash the mixture into all the holes in your pine cone.

Step 5

Roll the cone in even more seed to coat the outside.

Step 6

Tie your finished feeder directly onto a tree branch.

Remember to take photos whilst making the feeder, and of the birds flocking to your patch to eat it! You can share your picture with other Backyard Nature Guardians by tagging us @BackyardNatUK and using the hashtags #BackyardNature and #FeedTheBirds.

To find out more, visit the National Trust website.