News

Our regular Biodiversity Walks focusing on birds and citizen science records show that the University campus is a haven for birds. On iNaturalistLink opens in a new window alone there are sightings of over 70 bird species, including a variety of garden birds.

The University discourages the supplementary feeding of birds (and other animals) on campus, primarily to prevent attracting rodents with the surplus food and to avoid the reinforcement of unnatural behaviours, including increased aggression towards humans. We work hard to ensure there are lots of natural food sources available on campus, so wildlife need not rely on feeding stations.

However, research now shows a worrying decline in several familiar garden bird species linked to a contagious disease called trichomonosis, which spreads easily where birds congregate, particularly at feeders.

Trichomonosis is a highly infectious disease, caused by a parasite. It can move quickly where birds gather in close contact. Summer and autumn are of particularly high risk because several species cluster around reliable food and water sources even though natural foods are more abundant at those times. Conservationists warn that busy feeding sites can become hotspots for transmission, contributing to local declines in beloved species, such as greenfinches, chaffinches and bullfinches.

How you can help

On campus:

Please adhere to the University’s policy on not providing supplementary feeding to wildlife on campus at any time of the year.

At home:

If you would like to help birds at home, small adjustments in individual gardens can make a big difference for bird health. Stopping the spread of the disease requires two simple changes to how we feed birds: feed seasonally and feed safely.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has published guidanceLink opens in a new window on what we can all do to help our feathery friends:

• Pause supplementary feeding in summer and autumn when natural food is plentiful and disease risk is higher.
• Focus feeding in winter and early spring when wild food is scarce and birds benefit most from extra calories.

• Clean feeders and baths at least once a week. Change bird bath water daily.
• Move feeders weekly. Changing the location prevents contaminated debris from building up underneath.
• Avoid placing feeders under roosting sites to reduce contamination from droppings.
• Do not use flat-surfaced feeders as research links flat surfaces with higher transmission risk.
• Offer only what will be eaten within one to two days.
• Keep food dry as damp food helps disease survive.

In order to support birds and other wildlife in your garden, you can also adopt wildlife friendly gardening measures such as planting bird-friendly species that provide food and shelter, which reduce reliance on feeders and strengthens local bird populations.

You can find a wealth of information online about how to make your green space more wildlife friendly, such as at Wildlife gardening | The Wildlife TrustsLink opens in a new window, Design a wildlife garden | RSPBLink opens in a new window, Gardening for butterflies | Butterfly ConservationLink opens in a new window.