The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is less than a month away (sign up here!), so now's the time to start encouraging more birds into your garden. Don't worry, you won't have to spend lots of money. For this homemade feeder, all you'll need is:

1. Carefully remove the core from the apple, preferably by using a corer. You may wish to get an adult to help you with this.

2. Make perches for your birds by pushing one stick into either side of the apple, near the bottom. Again, if this is too tricky, get an adult to help you. Take care when holding a stick too, particularly if other people are around!

3. Tie the string around the last stick and thread it through the core of the apple.

4. Push the sunflower seeds into the top half of the apple for the birds to eat.

5. Once you have made your apple bird feeder, tie it onto the branch of a relatively sturdy tree in your garden or green space, and wait for the birds to descend!

For your free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, which includes a bird identification chart, plus RSPB shop voucher and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch