"We can help improve [birds'] chances of survival by providing 'bird food' like meal worms, fat balls and seed mixes as well as some of our own leftovers like grated cheese, porridge oats, soft fruit, cooked rice and unsalted bacon.

"And as hideous as a soak in ice cold water may be to us, its imperative that we keep bird baths unfrozen too. Birds need water to drink and keep their feathers in good condition and by placing a small floating object like a twig in water it should keep the water circulating a little longer."