The one upside to the colder weather is that soon gardens across the UK will be visited by robins. They are a welcome sight and one which is usually associated with the festive season with many people believing that these red-breasted creatures are only seen in the winter months.

But the robin is actually present in the country all year around. In the summer time, the cute and joyous birds find it more difficult to source food so they tend to spend the warmer months in wooded and other shaded areas instead.

Experts say though, there is a way householders can attract robins to their gardens year round. All they need to do is to plant one thing to keep them coming back.

Gardeners should think about planting a serviceberry tree in the garden as it yields fruits in the summer and is an attractive draw for our sweet little feathered friends, acccording to All About Birds.

And Wild Ones agrees saying the tree is a 'four-season winner' that is both a favourite for native landscapers and bird lovers alike, reports The Express.

Its website noted the tree boasts a "froth of delicate white blossoms in early spring, luscious blueberries by June, apricot to reddish bronze fall colour, and silver-grey bark for winter interest".

And it added: "Birds descend in droves to feed on ripening serviceberries... [lots of] species of birds have been documented feeding on these delicious fruits. Without question, serviceberries are one of the top plants for birds."

Well-stocked bird feeders are also a great idea to keep robins and other birds coming to the garden.

But, if you do have one, it is advised to be vigilant to protect the birds as bushes, trees and even floral borders can offer ideal concealment spots for cats.

Most birds won't feel secure if a feeding station sits too close to ground level or adjacent to any vegetation, where they feel more at risk.

Positioning a bird feeder next to plants can stress birds out and make them less likely to return to your garden, while also potentially damaging your outdoor space.

Placing a bird feeder near your flowerbeds or crops could expose the greenery to bird droppings, which can increase the risk of bacteria, disease or other germs infecting plants.

It's advisable to place your bird feeder in a shady spot in your garden to keep birds cool, but ensure it's far from plants and even fences and sheds to prevent cats from reaching it.

Robins also enjoy fruits, sunflower seeds, crushed peanuts, but they particularly love mealworms, so stocking these will help to attract them to your garden and keep them coming back too.

Providing robins with a reliable food source now increases their chances of staying healthy and surviving once the colder weather sets in.

Robins will stay in your garden all year round if you plant 1 thing in it - Daily Record