How to make pine cone bird feeders
Discover how to use pine cones, seeds and suet to create simple hanging bird feeders.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| To do | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Our gardens our becoming increasingly important places for wild animals and especially birds. By providing a regular supply of food and water, we can help birds survive the challenging winter months, when they can struggle to survive.
One way you can help is by combining pine cones, gathered from your garden, with a seed and fat mix, to make simple hanging feeders.
Find out what to feed garden birds all year round and our tips for attracting birds into your garden.
You Will Need
- Pine cones
- Fat/suet and bird seed mix, either make it yourself or buy a ready-made suet and seed cake in garden centres
- Copper wire
Total time: 30 minutes
Step 1
Attach a length of wire to each cone, winding it between the scales at the base.
Step 2
Press the fat-and-seeds mixture between the scales so it covers each cone entirely.
Step 3
Hang the finished cones from a branch in a secluded part of the garden.
Kate Bradbury says
Position your feeders at several points throughout the garden, preferably near the shelter of a hedge or shrub so birds can quickly fly to safety if they need to.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
