NATURE lovers are asked to help wildlife this winter in a bid to halt declining numbers.

The RSPB wants Lancashire residents to ensure birds and other creatures have access to food and shelter by undertaking simple garden tasks.

The plea comes after a report revealed 60 per cent of wildlife species including starlings, hedgehogs and some butterflies, have fallen in number over the past 50 years.

As part of the organisation’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, Ribble Discovery Centre visitor services officer Julie Vale has asked people to build bird tables and nest boxes and plant hedges.

She also asked bonfire builders to take care that hedgehogs have not nested in fire piles before they are lit.

Julie said: “Autumn is a great time of year to do all sorts of jobs to give nature a home in your outside space, whether it’s a large garden or a small window box.

“Build or buy a hedgehog shelter, dig a pond or tidy up your existing one or plant bulbs ready to attract bees and other insects next summer.

“You could also build an insect home or plant a fruit hedge.”

For more information, visit rspb.org.uk/homes or find a local event at www.rspb.org.uk/events.