There are many species of wild birds that are in decline and under threat in the UK due to changes in our countryside. Some are well known 'common' birds like the House Sparrow and Song Thrush, whilst others are less obvious - the Grey Partridge, Skylark and Linnet for example. For some of them, gardens like yours might be important places of refuge.

At Hyde Hall we have so far recorded over 60 species of birds, whether resident, migratory or 'passing through'.

• Adopted a Wildlife Enhancement Strategy for the maintenance and development of the garden. This includes limiting pesticide use and banning the use of slug pellets.
• Created log piles to provide food and habitats for invertebrates, which in turn are eaten by birds.
• Created a bird feeding station with a range of feeders and seed to suit different birds.
• Installed nest boxes throughout the garden.

'Biodiversity' is short for 'biological diversity' and describes the variety of life on earth and includes all plants and animals, together with the soils, rocks and water on which they depend.

Encouraging birds into your own garden brings many benefits for you and for the birds! Some bird species, for example the Song Thrush, help to control slug and snail numbers through predation. Others, such as the Blue Tit, are voracious aphid eaters. And of course wild birds are fascinating and beautiful to watch.

• Put up bird feeders in an open area with cover nearby.
• Remember to provide feed throughout the year and not just in winter, as birds need a lot of help during the breeding season and can be exhausted by summer. Only selected foods should be provided in the spring and summer, such as good seed mixes without loose peanuts and if you are putting out nuts, only do so in suitable mesh feeders that will not allow whole or half peanuts to be taken (big pieces could choke the young).
• Birds need water to drink and bathe in, so provide a birdbath or fill a washing up bowl with water. In freezing conditions many natural sources of water are frozen over and so water provided in gardents becomes even more important.
• In many gardens there may be plenty of food, but nowhere to nest. Install next boxes in trees or against walls. There are many different types of nest boxes so carry out some research before installing them.
• Grow plants that produce edible fruits, berries, seeds or nuts, all of which are important foods for birds.
• Reduce or abandon the use of pesticides. Insect pests are a food source for birds - killing them with chemicals removes this food source and can also harm beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.
• Don't use slug pellets. Some sorts can be harmful to a number of different species including hedgehogs, frogs and birds.
• Create a log pile and a compost heap to encourage insects, another food source for many birds.
• Short lawns are good for Thrushes, Starlings and Blackbirds looking for worms.
• Densely planted borders provide cover for insects and shy birds.
• Plant a hedge that as it matures will provide insect food, berries, nesting and roosting sites as well as a place to hide from predators.

Essex Biodiversity Partnership involves over 40 organisations including the RHS, working together for the biodiversity of Essex.