BIRD-lovers at a retirement complex are doing their bit for conservation.

The group, who live at Goddard Court in Swindon, say they are worried about the unexplained decline in numbers of the smaller native species.

They called in Derek Lyford, an officer with the North Wiltshire branch of the RSPB, to advise them on the problem.

He helped them to put up nesting boxes for birds such as robins, wrens and blue tits.

He also brought some feeders, which are designed so only smaller birds can get in.

Meanwhile, McCarthy and Stone, the firm that runs the development, donated £50 to the RSPB.

One resident, Sylvia Patterson, said: "There is a group of us here who really love the garden, and we thought it would be nice to encourage more birds.

"Sadly, I remember how there were fewer and fewer birds in the garden of my last house, because of the growing numbers of larger birds, such as crows, magpies and pigeons, which prey on them."