How to make a bird feeder

Gently squash the mixture into all the holes in your pine cone

Help garden birds keep hunger at bay (and little naturalists occupied) with these simple feeders. Simply hang them up in a tree once finished, and watch the wildlife come to you.

Materials for making a bird feeder laid on a work bench — Materials to make a bird feeder

What you will need...

• Large, open pine cones

• Vegetable fat or lard

• Small seed bird feed

• Mixing bowls

• String

Method

Step 1

Tie string to the top of your pine cone.

Step 2

Soften the vegetable fat with your hands or a stove.

Step 3

Add in the bird seed a bit at a time until it sticks together easily.

Step 4

Gently squash the mixture into all the holes in your pine cone.

Step 5

Roll the cone in even more seed to coat the outside.

Step 6

Tie your finished feeder directly onto a tree branch.

Bring nature to you...

Turn your garden into a wildlife haven

Follow in the footsteps of rangers and help save wildlife at home this Easter. From feeding the birds to creating hedgehog highways, here are nine ways you can bring more nature to your garden.

How you can help