THERE is still time for nature lovers in Worcestershire to prepare their gardens and bird feeders for a special day.

The RSPB is urging people in the county to think about the different ways to help nature by taking part in its Feed the Birds Day on Saturday, October 25.

The charity is also inviting people to sign-up to its Homes for Wildlife project.

Since Homes for Wildlife launched in October 2007, more than 65,000 people have signed-up to and supported it by following free wildlife-gardening advice and transforming their homes and gardens into wildlife havens.

According to RSPB research, more than half of us (61 per cent) regularly put out tasty treats like bread, peanuts and seeds.

Louise Pedersen, from the RSPB’s West Midlands office, said: “If everybody does something for wildlife it will make a difference – from putting pot plants on balconies to building a pond, you will encourage insects and provide food for birds. We can all create homes for wildlife where we live, no matter how much space we have.”

The RSPB’s Homes for Wildlife builds on three key elements, which include leaving patches of long grass to provide homes for insects eaten by house sparrows and other birds.

You can also leave a mixture of well structured, deciduous trees, native shrubs and climbers to provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, plant a mixture of nectar and seed-rich flowering plants to attract lots of insects and provide seed for birds to feed on.

An information pack with advice is available to everyone registering.

Miss Pedersen added: “You really don’t need to be an expert to take part in Homes for Wildlife and you can do as little or as much as you have time for. Just providing a little food, water and shelter can really help birds and turn your garden into a wildlife haven for you to enjoy.”

For further information, on events and details of how to register to take part in Homes for Wildlife, call 0870 2401001 or visit the RSPB website on rspb.org.uk/feedthebirds