Gardeners are being warned in advance that birds will be relying on seeds put out on tables this winter.

Research from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) found that the seed crops of many trees relied on by garden birds have been poor this year.

Last autumn produced a large crop of seeds and consequently this year's batch is expected to be far smaller.

Buts of the beech tree are expected to be particularly scarce, but a shortage of acorns is also expected.

Experts at the BTO say that birds such as the siskin, coal tit, great spotted woodpecker and nuthatch are most likely to make use of bird tables when seed supply is low.

David Glue, BTO research ecologist, said: "Most tree species are unable to produce large crops of seed year after year.

"This means that there will be very little natural food around for many seed-eating birds and we will see these turn to bird tables in much greater numbers."

For seasonal gardening tips, go to Gardening Calendar.