Alan Titchmarsh issues warning to those with blackbirds, thrushes or starlings in their gardens

Alan Titchmarsh has issued a warning to gardeners who enjoy having birds in their gardens. The green-fingered expert said those who allow grass to get too long would prevent their feathered friend's access to worms.

This would put them off returning, so those who enjoyed the sight of wildlife in their garden would do better to keep grass short. The Gardeners' World legend said: "If you leave all your grass to grow long it makes it more difficult for blackbirds, thrushes and starlings to dig out worms."

He also said he didn't mind peckish birds snacking on his berries over winter as "they’re as joyful in the garden as the plants", the Mirror reports.

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Heading into December and January, the keen gardener urged people cut their foliage at ground level. Sharing a top tip, he said: "Avoid cutting off flowers starting to appear at the base. It enables you to see the flowers and prevents foliage blackspot from spreading".

The TV personality and horticultural specialist has previously shared ways gardeners could help stop their gardens from looking drab and lacklustre during the gloomy winter period. He said the ideal plant to inject some colour into your outdoor area was Winter Jasmine, which blossoms with striking yellow flowers from November to February.

He said: "Only severe weather – when the stems are rimed with frost – will cause its blooms to be stopped in their tracks, but once the cold snap has passed the plant recovers and the flowering continues."