I know that birds will eat seeds etc but we have several that like to follow us around when we are on the plot. I was thinking of making fat balls with dd and hanging them from our trees BUT will this make them more prone to eating what they shouldn't do you think?

nope

they are following you round to see if you dig up any worms
having birds on your plot reduces pests, means you get to enjoy birdsong while you work and is just 'the way it should be'.

We have all sorts of feeders and birdhouses in our garden because we feel it's right to share
I leave a proportion of my fruit uncovered and have planted wild strawberries on the far side of the pond (where no human can reach them) just for the birds, voles, shrews...whatever is about

Encouraging any wildlife (with the exception of rats and pigeons) will help your gardening endeavors by restoring the natural balance of nature!
Birds eat slugs and caterpillars and rotten dropped fruit.
Welcome them any way you can

Huh. Wild strawbs... I think we single-handedly feed the local blackbird population in July with those... I rarely get a look-in!

moonbells

Thanks Tara Tbh I didn't think about it otherwise I would have realised that they are more friend than foe and I have already come to love my friends robin and finch