How to make a bird bath

Illustrations by Alan Batley

Fresh water is essential for birds, and a bird bath is a simple way to provide it. Here’s how to make your own:

1 First, glue around the bottom of an upturned terracotta pot with glue for outdoor use.

2 Place a sealed/glazed saucer on top, and allow the glue to set. The saucer surface should be rough or textured to provide grip.

<img class="wp-image-1692 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload" data-src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/23/2018/09/BBC20Wildlife20Bird20Bath20artwork_2_623-930aa6f.jpg?quality=90&resize=452%2C413" width="620" height="413" alt="BBC20Wildlife20Bird20Bath20artwork_2_623-930aa6f" title="BBC20Wildlife20Bird20Bath20artwork_2_623-930aa6f"> 3 Make a small pile of pebbles on one side of the saucer. This will provide both an escape route for birds and a basking spot for insects.

<img class="wp-image-1694 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload" data-src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/23/2018/09/BBC20Wildlife20Bird20Bath20artwork_3_623-72620ac.jpg?quality=90&resize=422%2C413" width="620" height="413" alt="BBC20Wildlife20Bird20Bath20artwork_3_623-72620ac" title="BBC20Wildlife20Bird20Bath20artwork_3_623-72620ac"> 4 Fill the saucer with water, ensuring the pebbles are not fully submerged. Keep it clean and topped up with fresh water.