Unwanted garden visitors

Cats and garden birds

There is no denying that pet cats kill garden birds. Many people are distressed and angered by someone else's cat killing birds in their garden. Many cat owners want to stop cats killing birds. More...

Feral pigeon deterrents

There are simple steps that you can take to help deter feral pigeons from visiting your garden. More...

Grey squirrel deterrents

Grey squirrels can be a problem in gardens and the wider countryside. What can you do to keep them out of your backyard? More...

Gulls

'Seagulls' are a typical feature of the coastal environment in the UK and a natural part of our country’s wildlife. Gulls have lived close to people for thousands of years but some species are now in decline. So what are 'seagulls', and why are some gulls nesting in urban areas? More...

Herons and garden fish ponds

If you keep ornamental fish in your garden pond, you may prefer not to receive visits from a heron. More...

Magpies

Magpies are highly intelligent and very adaptable. They are omnivorous, eating mainly insects, but also will scavenge and store surplus food. Magpies will nest in most places where there are trees - including urban areas. More...

Non-toxic slug control in the garden

The following methods are non-chemical measures for slug control. All have been used with some degree of success and are offered here for you to try. More...

Sparrowhawk deterrents

A sparrowhawk in the garden can be an exciting occurrence. To see one of these beautiful birds so close and witness its hunting prowess is a treat, but to see one taking one of the small birds you have attracted into your garden can understandably invoke mixed emotions. More...

Predators and prey

Many of our best-loved songbirds are declining. This article explains why it is unsatisfactory to blame predation for the declines of songbirds. Blaming predators, such as sparrowhawks and crows, distracts attention from the real problem: the deterioration of the birds' environment. More...

Deterrents for use in gardens

As a conservation organisation, the RSPB is not generally involved in deterring and scaring birds or other animals. However, we appreciate that in some circumstances people can have problems, and to help, we have accumulated information on deterrents that people tell us they have tried with some success. More...