Birds need help to survive winter, says RSPB

With the recent cold snap and the first snow of the winter falling in Hastings and St Leonards at the weekend, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is appealing for residents to help feed and water the local bird population.

Homeowners are being urged not to throw away their leftovers as grated cheese, porridge oats, soft fruit, unsalted bacon, cooked rice, pasta and the insides of cooked potatoes all make good food while water for drinking and bathing and nest boxes all make a big difference too.

Sophie McCallum, of the RSPB, said: “With the harsh winter weather we’re experiencing the wild birds in our gardens will need a little extra help. The insects, berries and seeds they would usually feast on become off limits if there is frost and snow. The food and water you put out for them provides the nutrients essential to their survival.” The plummeting temperatures meant rare birds would appear earlier than usual, she added.