517: How to feed birds, a turf masterclass, and another essential job for autumn

As the weather cools and birds flock back to gardens, many of us enjoy putting more food out for them. But have we been feeding birds all wrong? How can we help our feathered friends without inadvertently endangering them? RHS Senior Wildlife Specialist Helen Bostock tells us how to feed birds properly this winter. After an incredibly tough summer for turf, many domestic lawns are still feeling the effects of months without rain. It might be time for a reboot, so RHS turf and lawn care specialist Jim Millward talks us through how to turf properly and tells us about his team’s progress on returfing alongside Wisley’s famous Jellicoe Canal. It’s off to RHS Garden Hyde Hall to talk with Sarah Wilson Frost about mulch; what is it, why is it important, and what does it do? And we’ll round-off the episode with listener questions answered with Gareth and Melissa.

Host: Gareth Richards

Producer: Dan Cocker

Contributors: Helen Bostock, Jim Millward, Sarah Wilson-Frost, Melissa Mabbitt

Links:

Bird statistics (theguardian.com/environment/2026/oct/13/uk-bir… )

Bird feeding (rhs.org.uk/wildlife/gardening-for-birds%20)

Returfing and laying turf (rhs.org.uk/lawns/lawns-from-turf⁠ )

Guide to mulch (rhs.org.uk/soil-composts-mulches/mulch⁠ )

Chop and drop (rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/seasonal/chop-an… )