WHILE I'm in agreement with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's concern over the potential hazard in cheap peanuts for birds, I would like to say that there are many reputable sources of such food.

In Devizes I buy from Catleys, Rangebourne and the pet food stall in the Thursday Market in the Shambles.

I believe too that SCATS also supply good quality nuts.

Perhaps people should look to the hygiene of their own methods of feeding the birds.

Peanuts at the bottom of the containers should be discarded before refilling as these often begin to become mouldy.

Areas where ground-feeding birds pick up their food should be changed regularly too.

Any stale food must be disposed of in a dustbin.

Our back gardens represent several million nature reserves and the regular feeding of all our birds is their lifeline.

The plants we grow are important as well.

Shrubs for food such as holly, pyracantha, cotoneaster and others, provide shelter too.

Many flowers provide seedheads for sparrows and the colourful goldfinches.

I recommend fresh apples, grated cheese, raw pastry, crumbed bread and stale fruit cake. Homemade bird cake (melted fat, wild bird seed, dried fruit) will be a delicious and nutritious treat .

And don't forget the water. A clean bird bath is essential for drinking and for our feathered friend to keep their plumage in good condition.

Happy bird watching.

JENNIFER HARRISON

Roundway Gardens

Devizes