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Brits looking to attract more birds into their gardens could have greater success if they adhere to one simple guideline. The Woodland Trust has offered some advice on how to make your garden a welcoming place for robins.

Robins and other bird species are more likely to frequent your garden if they feel safe from predators such as cats. According to the Woodland Trust, bird feeders should ideally be placed approximately two metres (6.5ft) away from thick vegetation.

This reduces the risk of unexpected cat attacks, while still allowing birds to quickly retreat to cover if necessary. Another method to entice them is through food.

A sudden cold spell or late frost may delay insect activity, leaving hungry chicks in the nest. That's where assistance from the garden can really make a difference.

By providing mealworms on a clean bird table or hanging feeder, you're helping to ensure local robin populations flourish, reports the Express.

Mealworms are an excellent source of natural, nutritious food for birds, filled with healthy fats, protein and fibre that aid growth and strength.

You can also mix mealworms into dried bird food, like seed mixes, to create a more diverse and appealing spread around your feeder.

However, there's a crucial warning for those offering this treat. Experts caution against letting mealworms fall onto the ground, particularly at night.

This is due to the fact that hedgehogs, nocturnal scavengers often spotted in UK gardens, might come across and consume these mealworms. Regrettably, what's nutritious for birds can be detrimental to these spiky guests.

Two types of fruit, available for as little as 50p each, are ideal for birds looking to feed their young this autumn. Chopped apples and pears, scattered on the lawn or placed on a garden table, will attract birds.

For those intending to use a bird feeder to provide food for wildlife, the society has issued a stern warning about cleanliness to ensure that the food isn't contaminated and doesn't cause illness among wildlife.

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."