Warning issued to anyone with robins in their gardens as Storm Bert hits UK

Gardeners across the UK are being warned they should avoid doing one thing if they spot a robin this winter. The bird is starting to make frequent appearances in gardens as the colder weather approaches.

A favourite for Christmas cards, the bird is easily recognisable with its orange-red breast stretching up to its neck and face. But there are some garden changes which can be a problem for robins.

It comes as Storm Bert is set to bring widespread disruption to many parts of the UK this weekend - and the chilly weather can be an issue for robins. According to The Woodland Trust, homeowners need to be mindful of not disrupting the nests of robins.

READ MORE: Drivers warned to 'carry out checks' as Storm Bert set to bring severe conditions

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You need to think about where you place bird feeders, Express reports. The Woodland Trust said: "Ideally, bird feeders should be positioned around 2m away from dense vegetation.

"This will reduce the chance of a surprise attack by cats, and means birds can still easily retreat to cover if needed." Pruning plants can also have a major impact on a robin's hatching space.

Robins are often seen nestled close to the ground, in or under bushes. The female robin builds up a cup-shaped nest using a mixture of findings from moss to grass, dead leaves and sticks.

Breeding season can start as early as January for the winter bird, but often starts around March. Robins will begin to lay eggs between mid-April and mid-August, with a clutch being made up of around four to six eggs.

It takes just 13 days for chicks to hatch, fleeing the nest approximately two weeks later. Robins are furious defenders of their territory, which means that pruning can trigger their territorial behaviour if their nest becomes exposed.

Often found in woodlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows, robins will sing to defend their space. When out of their nests, the red breasted birds are usually quite tame.

They can be easily spotted perched on top of a branch or on the lookout in gardens looking for worms among the plants. They typically eat fruits, seeds and insects as well as earthworms.

Despite being associated with Christmas, Robins are actually threatened by harsh winters. The fiery little birds can lose up to 10 per cent of their body weight in just one single freezing winter night.

So it is important they build up their fat reserves. Keen bird lovers can help prevent this by offering bird food.