Gardeners are being urged to scatter chilli powder in their gardens this March for an important reason.

It does sound strange, but the method is the perfect way to leave food out for hungry birds - without it being stolen by other animals, especially when winter turns to spring and birds are still struggling to find food for themselves. Birds have faced challenges for several years. Anecdotally, gardeners have reported seeing far fewer birds than normal, and the numbers of many bird species have fallen.

The massive reduction in insect numbers - down as much as 60% in the UK in the last 20 years thanks to habitat loss and climate change - is thought to be having knock-on effects right up the food chain, as birds have far less to eat, which is putting them at risk of starvation, especially over the colder winter months when food sources are more scarce. That’s why gardeners are being asked to do what they can for birds and leave bird food out.

But one huge problem with leaving bird food out is that other animals - like squirrels - will try to steal it.

That’s where the chilli powder comes in. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or something which you leave bird food on for the birds (and if you don’t have one, consider getting one), then you can leave a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apple out for birds to eat.

Bruised apples and pears are really attractive to birds, and household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs can be used too - although you should avoid using too much of these, say the RSPB.

But lace all of it with a scattering of chilli powder or chilli flakes, and the birds will have the food all to themselves. That’s because birds aren’t at all affected by the spicy taste of chilli, whereas squirrels and foxes hate it. That way, all of the food is left for the hungry birds. 

The RSPB says: "When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms. 

"Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds. Household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs should only be offered in small amounts occasionally.

"Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (like tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food. Birds aren't bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels can't put up with the burning sensation and will leave the food alone."