Despite the relatively mild weather of late, it is important to keep up the feeding of the wild birds which live around us. While 'us humans' can turn up the thermostat or put another log on the fire, the birds need to eat more and regularly to keep their internal furnaces going; they have to eat to survive.

While 'natural' foods are usually best, when these are in short supply (insects are few, and worms have 'gone deep'), then the birds around us need a helping hand to make it through the winter.

For a general feed, 'wild bird seed' is readily available in the shops, as are fatballs. Sunflower hearts will bring a greater diversity of birds to your feeders, and the specialist suppliers will be able to provide every seed your birds' desire.

Suet pellets/blocks are ideal for when the weather is cold snowy/icy/frosty. Also mealworms live is ideal, but you can also used dried soaked mealworms/calciworms too - always ensure there is fresh clean water to drink at all times...this may need replacing several times throughout the day if temperatures are below 0°C.

Please be mindful to clean feeders and water bowls regularly, to prevent a build-up of damp food which could turn mouldy and risk the lives of the birds you are trying to save.

Thank you all for your assistance with this.

Nigel