Bird charity, SongBird Survival supported by the Mental Health Foundation, is encouraging people to tune in and connect with nature close to home over the busy Christmas period.  

Previous research from the Mental Health Foundation found that 44% of people said being close to nature makes them feel less anxious or worried.  

The charities have 5 tips to boost your mood and help UK wildlife at the same time.  

These come ahead of “Super Saturday” on 21^st December, which is the last Saturday before Christmas and a busy shopping day. The 21^st of December is also National Robin Day, a campaign by SongBird Survival to raise awareness of how we can help the UK songbirds over winter. 

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The charities suggest five ways to help you connect with nature close to home:

1. Listen to birdsong. Engage your senses and discover what birdsong you can hear through an open window, in your garden or sitting in the local park.

2. Feed the birds. Help hungry birds during winter by putting out bird seed daily or hanging up energy-packed fat balls.  

3. Give birds fresh water. Put out clean water for the birds every day and enjoy watching birds dip in for a drink or bathe. Even a clean, shallow tub on a windowsill will help.

4. Create a space for birds. Pile up some branches or old leaves in your garden to provide birds with a spot that gives some protection from the wind and snow. If you have space and permission, you could install a bird box.  

5. Share your robin stories. Celebrate the meaning that nature brings to our lives. Share your favourite robin stories and photos using #NationalRobinDay on 21^st December

Susan Morgan, Chief Executive said: “Many of us love seeing and hearing songbirds in our gardens and green spaces but winter is a tough time for them. Temperatures drop and there is less natural food available. Taking small actions daily to give them food, shelter and water can really help protect our beautiful songbirds”.

Alexa Knight, Director at the Mental Health Foundation, said: “Research has shown that people with a strong connection with nature are typically happier in life, as nature can generate many positive emotions, including calmness, joy and creativity. Connecting with nature is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, including lower depression and anxiety. Taking quiet time to notice and enjoy birdsong can help give us an emotional connection to nature and boost our wellbeing.  Similarly, playing our part in taking care of nature can also help us feel that we’re doing your part and make us feel good.”

SongBird Survival is also running a free Ruby Robin Award challenge over the Christmas holidays. Children can gain a special certificate and badge by learning more about birds and take action to help them over winter.​

For tips and advice on how to help songbirds over winter visit www.songbirdsos.org/national-robin-day  

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For further information or photos, please contact SongBird Survival’s PR team on pr@songbird-survival.org.uk   

Further information on the Mental Health Foundation’s research and case studies of people who have benefited from the positive mental health effects of spending time in nature, contact Natalie Sadler​​​, PR and Media Manager on nsadler@mentalhealth.org.uk.  

Notes to Editors 

1. SongBird Survival runs an annual awareness day – National Robin Day – on 21^st December about helping birds over winter: https://www.songbirdsos.org/national-robin-day  

2. SongBird Survival is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to halting and reversing the alarming population decline of songbirds and other small birds. It does this by supporting research carried out by experts at top universities and conservation organisations in the UK into the cause of the decline, and the solutions. More information is available at: https://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/  

3. The Mental Health Foundation is the UK charity working towards good mental health for all and the home of Mental Health Awareness Week every May: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/  

4. The Mental Health Foundation has undertaken research on how and why our relationship with nature is so important and beneficial to our mental health. Their research and detailed policy recommendations are available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/nature  

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