Bbc's chris packham issues warning to gardeners

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS URGE PEOPLE TO STOP USING THIS PRODUCT 17:48, 07 Feb 2025 BBC's Chris Packham has urged gardeners to stop using an item and rethink their

bird-feeding habits. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds say flat bird tables are contributing to the spread of diseases among birds, especially during winter. The RSPB has raised

concerns that these tables may exacerbate the transmission of ailments, in particular, those affecting the finch population. BBC Winterwatch presenters Chris Packham and Iolo Williams have

advised the public to change their routine and instead invest in alternative bird-feeding methods. Flat bird tables have been removed from sale, with upright feeders remaining unaffected.

The RSPB are completing a safety review and will refrain from selling flat bird tables until more information is available. Speaking about the issue on BBC's Winterwatch, Iolo Williams

said: "The RSPB are increasingly concerned that people putting food out on flat surfaces such as the floor of bird tables are actually helping the spread of diseases that affect some of

our garden birds, especially finches." He added: "They believe that the food is left to the elements, it gets wet, it mixes with faeces, and that facilitates the spread of some of

those diseases", reports the Express. "They are actually so concerned that they've commissioned a study and they've also stopped selling bird tables". Chris

Packham, co-presenter, also said: "Of course there are alternatives, you don't have to leave food out, you can garden for wildlife. Plant trees and bushes which provide berries in

the winter, things like rowan trees and cherry trees, which are quite small and you can grow them in relatively small gardens and they aren't going to give you any trouble. Article

continues below "But listen, if the science is done, we need to change our minds and our habits, we care about our birds and that means following the best possible advice. So we're

all eager to see what that RSPB study comes up with." In its product suspension notice, The RSPB said: “At the RSPB, the safety and welfare of birds has and always will be our

priority. “We know so many of you love feeding your garden birds and some bird species really do benefit from us putting out extra food for them, especially in winter. However, there is

increasing evidence that for other birds there can also be negative effects such as the spread of disease, especially among finches. “We want to make bird feeding as safe as possible, so

we’re reviewing the advice we give you and products we sell based on the latest science. “As a precautionary measure, whilst we await the findings of the review, we have suspended all our

bird tables and related products, table mix and table mix extra, window feeders and feeder guardians with trays, from sale. This is because there is evidence to suggest that some birds,

particularly finches, can be more exposed to disease when fed on flat surfaces like these. “As the country's largest nature conservation charity we want to be transparent with our

supporters and customers. We believe suspending the products until we have a better understanding of how the disease spreads is our best option to ensure the safety of birds.” Article

continues below The RSPB has advised gardeners to use alternative bird-feeding methods, and is continuing to sell upright feeders and feeding stations. _WINTERWATCH IS AVAILABLE ON BBC

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