Attract wrens to your garden in autumn by placing one thing outside

Wrens are a joy to see in gardens, and gardening enthusiasts in the UK are always looking for ways to attract them to their outdoor green spaces — and for good reason.

Wrens are the underrated and underappreciated heroes of gardens as these tiny birds love to pick off garden pests such as insects, spiders, and other small bugs.

Easily recognised by their small, plump, and round shape, these distinctive birds have a chestnut-coloured tail which is almost always raised and at attention. Wrens are lively, chirpy birds which feel like they’re constantly on the move.

Always on the lookout for insects among leaves fallen on the ground and in the cracks of barks, attracting these birds may feel difficult, but is actually super easy according to a wildlife expert.

As autumn rolls around in the UK, Sean McNemmy, wildlife expert at Ark Wildlife, has shared a few quick and easy ways to attract wrens to your gardens this fall.

How to attract wrens in your garden

The wildlife expert shares: “Wrens are actually one of our most common garden birds, even more so than robins, but their shy nature means they’re often heard before they’re seen.

“If you want to welcome them in, the secret isn’t feeders - it’s creating the right habitat.”

The wildlife specialist says that unlike many garden birds, wrens don’t like visiting and aren’t particularly attracted to seed feeders, peanuts or even fat balls. These beautiful little birds are pure insectivores, relying almost entirely on insects, small bugs, and spiders for food.

He explained: “To attract wrens, think cover first. Dense shrubs, hedging and especially evergreen plants give them somewhere safe to hide, roost and nest. The more sheltered your garden feels, the more likely they are to stay.”

Another good way to get these enchanting birds to visit your garden is by planting a mix of foliage and flowering plants. This is because they help build a natural food source for wrens as they encourage insects — the primary food that wrens depend on.

Sean adds: “Areas of low growth, leaf litter or even a quiet corner near a compost heap can quickly become feeding grounds.”

For the best chance to spot wrens out in the open, the wildlife expert has a top tip: “If you want a chance to spot one out in the open, try offering mealworms. Live is best, but even dried mealworms can provide a useful boost and may tempt them into view, if only for a moment.”

There’s another absolutely crucial and vital wren-attracting tip “Fresh water is also essential, particularly during warmer months. A shallow, sheltered water source gives wrens a safe place to drink and bathe.

“Wrens will also make use of nest boxes, especially if positioned low and well hidden within dense foliage, ideally two to four metres off the ground.”