Gardeners urged to leave two 50p fruits in their gardens in September

Garden enthusiasts have been warned to continue to do one thing as the summer months come to a close. British birds are attracted to gardens all year round, with the months following the summer's peak important for species such as sparrows, starlings, blackbirds and robins, which are responsible for feeding recently hatched offspring.

Gardeners are used to leaving food out for birds during the warmer months but it is a habit that can sometimes be forgotten about once the weather turns cooler. CJ Wildlife told Country Living: "Not long ago, many believed that garden birds should only be fed during the winter months; however, long-term studies have shown that offering food to garden birds year-round is beneficial, supporting declining species and allowing you to learn more about your garden visitors.

"Bird populations are at their highest in the summer, so a regular supply of quality food helps birds get the energy they need amid increased competition for natural foods."

And despite an array of expensive bird feed options in pet stores across the country, feeding winged visitors in your garden needn't break the bank.

According to CJ Wildlife, two fruit options, available for as little as 50p each, will prove adequate for birds hoping to feed their offspring this autumn.

Apples and pears, sliced up on the lawn or placed on a garden table, will be popular with birds such as thrushes and blackbirds.

However other birds have different feeding preferences, with species such as sparrows and doves preferring "ground feeding", where food is scattered along the floor.

The RSPB explains: "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."

For those planning on feeding wildlife using a bird feeder, the society has a clear warning abour hygiene to ensure that food is not contaminated and wildlife is not made ill.

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