Although the cold, winter months necessarily reduce the amount of human activity in the garden, fortunately for us, our feathered friends are not restricted in the same way. Encouraging birds into the garden can provide many hours of viewing pleasure, from attempting to identify and number the different species to watching their antics as they feed, frolick and pour scorn on one another!

At a time when most wildlife retire for the season it is heartening to see the garden come alive from providing a much-needed haven for wild birds.Tasty berries provided by holly, cotoneaster and pyracantha along with hedges such as hawthorn, will provide shelter and food and will definitely place your garden on the bird visiting guide. However, as the weather becomes harsher, supplementary feeding is often necessary.

Bear in mind that not all birds have the same feeding habits and if you are to attract different species you need to provide a variety of feeding opportunities.Birds can be 'clinging feeders' or 'ground feeders', which by implication, suggests that we should provide food in hanging feeders as well as placing it on a bird table, which offers more safety from marauding cats for ground feeders.

Greenfinch, Tits, Woodpeckers and Hedge sparrows are of the clinging variety whereas Dunnocks, Thrushes and Robins are ground feeders. However birds are quick to learn and regular offerings of food will encourage our feathered friends to visit regularly.

There are a number of birdhouses, tables and hanging feeders available to purchase, as well as nesting boxes and bird baths. The majority of birdhouses come complete with tables and where some include a built-in nesting box. Often, the house and table are fixed to the base by a simple wing nut and washer for easy dismantling and transport home.

Give some thought to where you site your bird house and table; birds feel less threatened if they can escape into nearby vegetation but avoid siting a feeder within low-lying foliage as these situations can provide the perfect foil for predators. If birds feel relatively safe they are more likely to use a feeder. Fresh water is also essential as birds need to bathe frequently to help maintain their feathers in good condition. There are a variety of beautiful stone bird baths available and are best placed upon an appropriate slab for stability if situated on the lawn.

Hanging, glazed terracotta baths and those supported by a central, coated metal leg, which can be gently pushed into the ground, offer a more contemporary look to bird baths. Importantly bird baths need to be relatively shallow to enable birds to hop out after bathing and drinking. However this does mean that the water contained within is prone to freezing in the winter so do check it and add fresh water daily.

There is a range of different proprietary bird food available including peanuts, oil rich black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, which have had the husks removed, wild bird seed, fatballs titbits and treats. Choose from a selection of hanging and tabletop feeders to suit different species.

In winter birds can particularly benefit from these and other high energy-giving food including home-made birdcake as suggested by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). Mix together a cupful of melted suet or lard and add a handful each of nuts (unsalted), seeds, dried fruit, grated cheese and stale bread or cake. Once the cake solidifies place onto the bird table and/or lawn for a variety of birds to enjoy.

It is not just during the winter when supplemental feeding is beneficial. It is now generally accepted that year round feeding can be advantageous particularly during the breeding season and ironically this is the time of year when most of us stop feeding! Maintain the feeding regime throughout this period and beyond - it can often be a real lifeline to one of our most treasured wildlife species