Numbers of sparrows and starlings could be boosted by as much as 20 per cent if home gardeners let their shrubs grow wild and planted insect-friendly flowers, conservationists have claimed.

The number of common garden birds has dropped at an alarming rate over the past 35 years, with house sparrows declining by 64 per cent, starlings by 72 per cent and song thrushes by 50 per cent

Now the RSPB is urging the thousands of home gardeners across the country to spare a thought for their feathered friends when they tend to their plots.

Dr Darren Moorcroft from the RSPB claims that the home garden plays an integral part in preserving British wildlife.

He said: "Metre for metre, gardens are the richest wildlife habitat on earth.

"By taking simple wildlife-friendly steps in our gardens, collectively we will make a real difference for many of our birds and other wildlife."

Some of the tips to gardeners offered by the RSPB included letting patches of lawns grow to provide shelter for insects, planting shrubs and flowers that are rich in nectar and seeds such as knapweeds, sunflowers and cranesbills, and growing climbers at the back and sides of garden sheds.

For planting advice, visit Planting Up.