The RSPB is heartened to read that bird feeders are considered essential for everyday life for many people. The wildlife charity believes that putting out food and water for birds benefits both wildlife and people, by providing vital energy supplies for birds and allowing people to experience wildlife first hand.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report (http://www.jrf.org.uk) about cost of life in the UK lists feeders as one of the things needed for a socially acceptable standard of living by pensioners in particular.

The report states that a minimum standard of living is not just about the money needed for survival but about having opportunities and choices. Almost two thirds of the UK population choose to feed their garden birds (RSPB research shows that 61 per cent of adults claimed they fed the birds in their garden during the past year. Research was undertaken by BMRB International who interviewed a nationally representative random sample of 1,002 GB adults between 2nd and 4th July 2004. The fieldwork was conducted by telephone and overall, the survey was designed to be representative of all adults aged 16+ living in GB.) and the RSPB believes that doing so brings both mental and physical health benefits.

Seeing wildlife in your garden brings a great deal of pleasure and a sense of responsibility for the natural environment and is also a great way of getting people outdoors. Richard James, RSPB Wildlife Adviser, says: “We get endless calls from people of all ages who feed the birds in their garden and become quite passionate about it.

“It is clear that as a nation it is something we greatly enjoy and people get a lot of pleasure from it. Something as simple as putting out a feeder can provide hours of entertainment, especially at this time of year when garden bird activity is so frantic.

“It gives people a reason to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and its great that this report has highlighted how important it is – for people as well as wildlife.”

Richard Stone, RSPB  member says: “After being diagnosed with a form of depression I find getting out in the open air and being at one with nature to be a great therapy so my hobby of birdwatching has taken on a greater meaning.

“I can easily spend hours sitting in the back garden watching our visitors flying in for food.”