FALLING temperatures and dwindling natural food sources mean that many favourite garden birds will face starvation.

So Vale and Cotswolds people are being urged to give them a helping hand this winter by treating them to a nutritious feast full of delicious energy rich food.

Hidcote Manor Garden, the popular National Trust property near Chipping Campden, is leading the way by asking visitors to make a difference this winter by encouraging them to transform part of their garden into a wildlife haven.

By simply putting up a bird box and providing a supply of high energy bird feed, they will be increasing a bird's chances of survival.

"It is vital that our garden birds have access to energy rich food that they can convert into fuel as they carry very little fat reserves," explained Jane Ewers, plant sales manager at Hidcote Manor Garden. "Black sunflower seeds and hearts are perfect as they are very high in calories. Seed mixes are also invaluable as they offer them an excellent balanced diet."

Apart from selling a huge selection of bird food, Hidcote Manor Garden has a variety of different feeders too, as well as winter shelter from butterfly hibernation boxes to bat boxes.

A home-made winter bird cake can be produced from a mixture of bird seed, peanuts, oats, raisins, grated cheese and softened lard. Fill yoghurt pots with the mixture and put them in the fridge until the mixture has set.

Hang the pots from trees and bird tables and watch the birds enjoy their special treat.