How to welcome birds and other wildlife to your garden

Ornithologist Cian Cardiff explains how to offer a Happy New Year to our garden birds and wildlife as 2023 breaks

Cian Cardiff recording birds at Tacushim Lake in Wexford.

Birds are a vital part of the biosphere, and their numbers and variety are regarded as a guide to the prevailing health of the wider natural environment. 

According to Birdwatch Ireland, 25% of native Irish birds show a severe decline in numbers due to various habitat stresses, with a further 37% under moderate decline. Using even a scrap of outdoor space, we can play our part in improving on these numbers.