Birdwatch

David Hirst of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, North of England Region said: "The colder months are a struggle for many of our best-loved garden birds, such as robins and blue tits. Just a little water, food and shelter can turn your garden into a vital haven for birds in the freezing winter months."

The RSPB's North of England Office is asking people to follow a simple seven-point  survival plan that will help wild birds during the harshest weather.

1. Introduce a bird table and high calorie seed mixes. This can also be used to put out kitchen scraps such as animal fats, grated cheese and soaked dried fruit.

2. Put out hanging feeders for black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts.

3. Ensure a supply of fresh water every day. If it is very cold use tepid water but DO NOT use any antifreeze products.

4. Supply apples and pears for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family.

5. Bird cake or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers, goldcrest and many other species.

6. Put up nest boxes to provide roost sites for the smaller birds. They will then be used for breeding later in the year.

7. Plant berry-bearing plants in your garden, such as hawthorn, holly, cotoneaster and berberis.

To get hold of a free information pack to help you look after the birds in your garden, call Jemma at CSV Action on 0845 300 77 99