Many birds take advantage of the berries that form part of Nature's autumn bounty. Some of these berries may last through into the New Year, providing much-needed resources for wintering thrushes, but which berries are used and when? With your help the British Trust for Ornithology can increase our understanding of how birds use garden berries and answer key questions to deliver better advice on which berry-producing plants to use in our gardens.

The BTO Birds and Garden Berries Study begins on Sunday 30th September and survey packs are being sent out just ahead of this. If you would like to take part in the study or find out more about the project then please email BTO at .

The study has three components, the first of which looks at berry availability throughout the winter. The second examines how quickly berries are removed from plants and the third looks at which birds take berries. BTO hope that you will contribute to all three components but any contribution would be particularly welcome.