Gardeners told to leave two fruits on lawns and bird tables before it's too late

It's a crucial period for our feathered friends in the – with sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins and a host of other British favourites embarking on their breeding and nesting season. During these essential spring months of March, April and May, those with green fingers are being encouraged to offer a helping hand by leaving out two types of fruit on their lawns and bird tables.

The advises that a variety of foods should be provided throughout the year to cater to different birds' needs, ranging from sunflower seeds and uncooked oats to suet and mealworms.

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For a simple and cost-effective way to support our avian visitors, you can leave out apples and pears, chopped up and placed either on the grass or a bird table before spring comes to an end next week.

The RSPB warns: "You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them."

They add that: "Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds." Birds have varying feeding preferences, with some opting for 'ground feed' rather than visiting a bird table, reports .

According to the RSPB: "Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it's best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground."

This advice also applies to sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which are typically ground feeders and usually eat seeds.

Ensure that any food left for birds is placed in an open, spacious area, well away from hedges or potential cat hiding spots.

Birds avoid feeding zones where they feel vulnerable to predators like cats or might be at risk if they're too close to where a cat could lurk.

If you opt for a bird table, it's vital to keep it scrupulously clean, especially if it has a flat surface. This advice comes after the RSPB withdrew flat, uncovered bird tables from their shops as they investigate the possibility that this kind of feeder may aid the transmission of diseases amongst birds.

The RSPB emphasised: "Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly."