Gardeners urged to leave one type of cheese on bird tables this weekend

Gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle cheese on their tables when out and about over the bank holiday weekend to aid garden birds in feeding their young. April, May and June are crucial months for our feathered friends - it's breeding and nesting season.

This is when birds are rearing their chicks and require additional , both for themselves and their offspring, to boost their survival chances - and surprisingly, cheese is one of the items you can leave out for them. This is particularly significant given the decline in bird population numbers in recent years, with the Big Garden Bird Watch this year revealing that species like starlings are struggling.

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The charming garden bird slipped from third to fourth place in the most frequently sighted species in the annual birdwatch, with the RSPB highlighting an 85% drop in average numbers seen per garden since the initiative started in 1979.

That's why and wildlife experts are constantly urging people to do whatever they can to assist birds, with feeding being a vital aspect of this, reports .

In addition to the usual food offerings such as seeds, mealworms, suet and raisins (all of which are still excellent choices), you can use some kitchen leftovers to feed birds, including cheese - mild, grated cheddar or other hard cheese is ideal, but soft cheese like brie should be avoided.

Channel your inner eco-warrior by tossing kitchen leftovers to birds instead of the bin, says Really Wild Bird Food, and you'll do a solid for both the feathered friends and the environment.

"Kitchen scraps make an excellent addition to your usual choice of bird food. By putting out the right scraps, you are helping to reduce landfill waste, as well as providing the birds with additional essential fats and carbohydrates which are especially important in the Winter and during nesting season."

They advise that: "Birds love mild, grated cheddar or other hard cheese, but soft cheeses such as brie and blue cheese are not suitable.

"Stale cereal and oats are fine, just as long as they don't have a high sugar or salt content and are not soaked in milk. Cooked oats can harden around a bird's beak, so raw oats are preferred."

For those looking to go the extra mile: "Plain, cooked pasta and rice is a popular choice and a great source of carbohydrates. Just make sure that they are not coated in sauce or cheese."

However, there's a crucial hygiene point to note – any leftovers must be disposed of properly, with the experts stressing the importance of cleanliness: "It is vitally important to clear away any uneaten food.

"Not only does it attract rats and other vermin, but it can spread bacteria, and birds will not touch food that is off."