A conservation charity has released some information regarding helpless baby birds.

The team at RSPB South West has revealed there are only a couple of situations when the public should lend a friendly helping hand:

  • Immediate danger: If a baby bird is found on a busy road or path, and it is safe to do so, the charity advise that it is picked up and moved a short distance to a safer place

  • Injury: If an injured fledgling is discovered this should be reported immediately to the RSPCA on 03001 234999.

  • Nestings: If a baby bird is discovered on the ground that is either unfeathered or covered only in its fluffy nestling down, it has fallen out of its nest ahead of schedule. Occassionally it is possible to put them back in their nest

Morwenna Alldis, spokesperson for the RSPB South West, said: "At this time of year we get hundreds of calls from well-meaning members of the public about the seemingly helpless baby birds they've discovered on the ground.

"But it's vital that people resist the urge to intervene.

"This is a natural part of the bird's development, so keep calm and step away."