People who feed birds could face £2,500 fine

As February brings colder mornings and quieter gardens, many UK households do the same kind thing: they put out food for birds. It can feel harmless to throw out a few crusts or a handful of seeds on the way out to the car, but officials have been reminding the public that one common mistake can cross a legal line.

Putting food out for birds or other wildlife in the “wrong place” can even end up with enforcement action, court costs and a hefty fine. The warning is not aimed at people feeding birds in their own garden using proper feeders, but at those who scatter food in public places or leave food waste behind. It’s especially important in areas where councils have strict rules to keep streets clean and prevent pest problems.

Across the UK, councils can issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for environmental offences like littering – and unpaid penalties can be escalated to court.

Buckinghamshire Council, for example, explains that littering offences can lead to prosecution when fixed penalties are not paid, with a maximum fine of £2,500 on conviction at a magistrates’ court.

Lambeth Council also warns that if an environmental FPN is not paid, cases may be referred for prosecution, and the fine for littering can be up to £2,500.

In some locations, bird feeding is restricted under local orders such as Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

In January, national headlines highlighted a woman being detained and issued a £100 penalty in Harrow after an incident linked to pigeon feeding under a PSPO, showing how seriously some areas now treat it.

Online review site Play Casino Online has said it has seen “winter discussions spike around bird feeding”, particularly posts where people are shocked to learn that “throwing bread for birds” can be treated as an offence in some areas.

It said the most common theme in comments is that people thought they were doing something kind, only to discover councils can take action where food waste creates mess, attracts pests or encourages nuisance behaviour.

Even when it is done at home, bird feeding comes with responsibilities. Wildlife charities advise using the right food and keeping feeding areas clean to reduce the spread of illness.

What households should do instead: