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How to attract woodpeckers to your garden

16 Feb 2026

How to attract woodpeckers to your garden

In the UK, the Great Spotted Woodpecker (pictured) is the one you are most likely to see in your outside space and the chances of spotting one are far higher if you live near mature woodland or parkland.

Here are some handy tips to encourage these striking birds to your feeders:

1 – Woodpeckers love high-energy food, so put out suet blocks or suet pellets, fat balls, sunflower hearts and mealworms

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2 – Trees are extremely attractive, even if you only have one mature specimen.

3 – Ensure feeding stations feel safe by positioning them away from predators such as cats, and avoid exposed areas in the middle of an open lawn.

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4 – Leave some areas of the garden slightly wild to encourage insects, which woodpeckers love.

5 – Be patients. Woodpeckers sometimes watch for a few weeks before visiting feeders. Natural resources are in short supply during early spring, so they will be on the look out for food. Once they spot your feeders, they will continue to return on a regular basis.



 

 

How to attract woodpeckers to your garden
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