After benefiting from mild January weather, birds will be struggling to deal with the current freezing temperatures, which come at a crucial time as they prepare for the nesting season.

RSPB is asking people to give birds help in the icy conditions by topping up their garden feeders, filling up their bird baths and providing shelter.

After benefiting from mild January conditions, which saw temperatures reach 15°C in parts of southern England, birds will now struggle to deal with the cold snap, which comes at a crucial time when they need extra energy. Prolonged periods of cold weather leave birds vulnerable as natural food sources become harder to come by and water sources freeze over.

At this time of year, birds are starting to think about finding a mate and building nests to raise a family, which means they need plenty of food and water.

To keep their energy up during the colder months, the best way to help garden birds is by providing them with a variety of food, but fatty food will be especially helpful. For example, fat balls or homemade bird cakes, which only take a few minutes to make and can be a great children’s activity, are perfect for feathered friends. These can be made cheaply with kitchen scraps and lard. Seeds, fruits or dried mealworms are also among birds’ favourite snacks.

Another vital support for vulnerable birds is fresh water for drinking and bathing. Finding sources of water can be hard for birds when there’s been a frost, but with a simple trick you can help to keep a patch of water ice-free. The RSPB recommends floating a small ball, such as a ping-pong ball, on the surface of the water as a light breeze will stop an area of water from freezing.

Finally, providing shelter from the harsh weather is extremely important. Putting up a nestbox will give birds a great place to roost in and shelter from the elements before the warmer spring arrives.