The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has issued a stark warning to gardeners across the UK, alerting them that pigeons are becoming a severe and destructive pest this winter, capable of devastating winter crops and prized plants.
The scale of the pigeon problem
These common birds are causing significant havoc in gardens and on allotments, with their broad diet posing a particular threat during the colder months. Flocks of up to 50 birds can descend on a single allotment, especially when snow or frost covers the ground and limits their natural food sources.
Their favoured targets include the leaves of winter brassicas, lilacs, and pea plants. The damage is often extensive, with pigeons pecking and tearing at foliage, frequently leaving behind only the bare stalks and larger veins. They also strip buds, leaves, and fruits from bushes like blackcurrants.
How to protect your garden
Bird specialists, including those cited from Avian Enterprises, recommend several effective, homemade solutions to deter these feathered intruders. The key is to exploit scents that pigeons strongly dislike. Simple sprays made from the following ingredients can act as powerful repellents:
- Peppermint
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
Another highly effective physical barrier is to place vulnerable plants under taut netting or inside a fruit cage. It is crucial that any netting is pulled tight to prevent birds and other wildlife from becoming trapped.
A divided opinion: To feed or not to feed?
The RHS warning presents a contrasting view to advice from other gardening figures. Notably, TV presenter and horticulturist Monty Don has recently advocated for supporting birds through winter by providing food and water.
He recommends offering calorific foods like bird seed, nuts, and fat balls, as well as suitable kitchen leftovers such as cooked potatoes, grated cheese, and fruit. However, he strongly advises against salty foods like crisps, salted peanuts, or bacon. Gardeners should be aware that putting out food can also attract other wildlife, including squirrels and rats, especially if it is placed directly on the ground.
With pigeons active early in the morning, many gardeners may miss the moment of destruction, only discovering the damage later. The RHS alert, issued on 20 December 2025, serves as a timely reminder for all gardeners to assess their winter defences.
