THERE are only so many ways of serving up Christmas leftovers, and after a few days most of us vow to never touch a roast dinner ever again.

The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) has the answer – give the leftovers to the birds. The charity says garden birds welcome Christmas leftovers at this time of year, when natural food is scarce.

Whether it’s cold roast potatoes, that last bit of Christmas pudding or spare mince pies, what you do with these leftovers can mean the difference between life or death for the birds in your garden at this time of year.

RSPB spokesperson, Beth Markey, said: “Any foods high in fat will be especially welcome as they supply energy, so chopped bacon rind (unsalted) or suet is perfect.

“However, it’s important to stay away from food that has the potential to swell in birds’ stomachs – things like salted peanuts and rice. Remember never to put out greasy food, as this might cause problems for delicate feathers. Lastly, don’t forget that birds enjoy a drink as well – just be sure it’s clean.

She added: “We hope that people won’t forget to provide food and water even when the festivities are over.

“It is important to keep up a constant and reliable supply through the winter and, of course, then you can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch.”

It is also important to make sure that any food put out for birds does not go stale or rotten and to ensure feeding areas are kept clean to stop the spread of diseases.

If you want to do more to help garden birds this winter, put up a bird box or leave an area of weeds such as nettles and thistles in a corner of the garden.

Don’t cut berry-bearing hedges until after all the berries are gone, but before birds use them for nesting – January is ideal.

Other plants that are good for birds include cotoneasters, crab apples, hawthorn, firethorn and holly.

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is taking place from January 25-27 next year.

For more information about how you can join in, please visit RSPB.org.uk/birdwatch