Pests

Having a plentiful supply of food in your garden will potentially attract unwanted visitors.  I think the most common is the grey squirrel.  It's introduction to the UK has been something of a disaster with it all but eradicating the native red squirrel.  They also damage young trees, forage for birds eggs, and if they get into your home can cause damage.  So this is something you don't want to see!

Please do nothing to encourage squirrels into your garden, they are a pest of the first order!  If squirrels are a problem you can buy different 'squirrel proof'' feeders - there are lots to choose from.  I have also read that mixing chilli powder with bird food will deter squirrels - but not birds.  If they are a real problem you can buy humane squirrel traps, although be aware that once you have caught one, legally, you are not allowed to release it into the wild again, so would have to 'dispatch' it.

The other potential pest would be rats.  Keeping the area free of food spills will help here.  And make sure you put your seed in rat-proof containers.  I used those plastic boxes available in DIY stores.  A determined rat could get into one (I've had them chew through the plastic) but by keeping the area free of spilled seed, they don't even take a second glance!  If rats do become an issue, consider poison or spring traps to nip the problem in the bud.