Care homes have been given advice about how to boost sparrow numbers in their gardens.

The RSPB has teamed up to give the expert advice in the run up to Bupa’s annual wildlife week from May 7 to 13.

It consists of a week of special activities designed to create wildlife havens in care home grounds and gardens, to benefit species that are currently in decline in Britain.

Homes in Claygate, Cobham, Esher, Walton and Weybridge are taking part.

Bupa’s community and partnership manager, Siobhan Drane, said: “Everyone enjoys seeing a cheeky sparrow in gardens, but this much loved British bird needs our help.

"So we’re asking everyone to join the campaign, either by offering a helping hand to our green-fingered residents or by making their own gardens more bird-friendly.”