February heralds a season of dismal, chilly, and soaking conditions - the perfect reason to ensure our feathered friends venturing into gardens are well-fed.

This nugget of wisdom comes from Monty Don, celebrated as the face of the hit show BBC Gardeners' World and a trusted gardening expert.

With every turn of the calendar page, Monty offers his dual expertise and personal reflections alongside green-fingered tasks certain to spruce up your slices of nature. His repertoire spans from sowing advice to essential upkeep tips, all in service of fellow horticulture aficionados.

For February's instalment, he underscores the crucial act of sustaining birds with daily meals, especially, when it's cold outside.

Monty voices concern for our avian allies during winter, highlighting their need to remain fortified amidst the season's bite.

Provisioning our winged visitors with nourishment is vital; it bolsters their vigour and warmth, ultimately aiding not just their survival but also ensuring a vivacious presence in your garden, reports the Mirror.

Monty pens the heartfelt counsel: "Keep feeding the birds as they begin to mate, nest, and lay their first clutches of eggs. The better nourished the parent birds are, especially during cold weather, the larger and healthier their offspring will be.

"Make sure to provide fat, nuts, and seeds daily throughout the month, and don't forget to offer fresh drinking and bathing water."

Monty has previously warned against providing grains, as these can attract pigeons, sparrows, squirrels, and even rats, which can wreak havoc in your garden.

Instead, concentrate on calorie-dense foods like seeds, nuts, and fat to ensure the birds get the nutrition they require.

Consistency is crucial when it comes to feeding birds. Providing a steady supply of food ensures that they can trust you and depend on your garden as a reliable source of nourishment.

Additionally, it's vital for them to have a fresh supply of water to drink - particularly in the icy weather.

Monty Don's advice for February serves as a reminder that by feeding birds the right foods and offering fresh water, we can help ensure their survival and wellbeing, while also appreciating the beauty they bring to our gardens.

This is a small but significant act of kindness that can have a profound impact on the wildlife in your area.