When natural food is in short supply during the winter months, a bird table is the ideal way to provide food for garden birds. Don't forget that food shortages can happen all year round, so it's important to continue to top up your bird table regularly, no matter what the weather.

When selecting your bird table, consider different sizes, particularly the feeding area. Attract smaller garden birds with a lower height roof, making sure larger birds can't land and gobble up all the food. A robust wooden structure will last for years in your garden.

To encourage birds into your garden you need to provide food, water, shelter and somewhere to nest. When feeding garden birds, try to get a good mix of seed, peanuts, suet and mealworms. Fat balls are popular as well as sunflower hearts and hanging coconuts. Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and Blackbirds. 

In cold weather, birds need more high-energy & high-fat foods. These include seeds such as sunflower, niger & peanuts. By offering seed mixes you will attract a greater variety of birds to your garden. Fat balls, or suet based feeds come in balls which can be hung from bird tables or feed from a hanging bird feeder.

Don't forget to provide a bird bath and fill it with fresh water every few days. Shelter is also important for birds, This can come in the form of dense shrubs and trees, or you could provide a nesting box in a quiet, sheltered spot in your garden.