TURTLE doves are a famous part of a much-loved Christmas song – but the “charismatic” birds are visiting the UK less frequently.

Conservation charity the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has outlined a worrying “crash” in numbers of dove turtles – and is calling for action to help stop the decline.

Wendy Carter, communications manager at the trust, said: “The population of turtle doves returning to the UK to breed each summer has crashed - since 1970, we’ve lost 93 per cent of these charismatic birds and estimates predict that, at these rates, we could lose them altogether in the UK by 2021.

“Turtle doves have been part of our culture for hundreds of years - what would your true love give you on the second day of Christmas if they were to disappear?”

Turtle doves build open nests in scrub, woods and hedgerows around agricultural areas and eat seeds and fruits. But changes in land use and farming practice have reduced the opportunities both for suitable nesting sites and for feeding.

They also face challenges during their migration to Africa, including illegal shooting, extreme weather, expanding deserts and climate change

Wendy Carter added: “So, what can we do here in Worcestershire to help the travel-weary birds that arrive back to spend their summer, breed and feed up for their return to wintering grounds in Africa?

“Turtle doves are found mostly in the south of the county but the things that will help them will also help other birds and wildlife wherever you live.

“If you have hedges in your garden or on your land, especially if you back on to open countryside, consider allowing them to grow as tall and wide as you can; encouraging climbing plants where possible.

“If you have a garden pond, make sure that it has shallow banks to allow birds to reach the water. And if you have a large garden, consider sowing some of the seeds mentioned above to give the birds something to eat in the summer.”