The biggest bird migration since 1987 is under way at an urban nature spot in the borough.

Thousands of migrant birds fleeing cold weather in northern Britain and Europe have been seen at and over Beddington Farmlands.

But Peter Alfrey, of Beddington Farm Bird Group, has warned hundreds of birds could die if the cold weather conditions did not improve, and the birds failed to get sufficient food during their journey to find warmer temperatures.

Some of the migrant birds spotted include the fieldfare, redwing, lapwing and golden plover as well as the rare red kite.

Mr Alfrey said: “We haven’t seen a migration like this since 1987 at Beddington Farmlands. “This cold weather is bad news for birds, and many of them are on the move in mass numbers to escape the weather.

“Fieldfares, redwings and other winter thrushes are looking for berries and fruit, and have moved into towns and gardens. These birds could be populations from as far away as Siberia.”

He said the frozen ground prevents the birds from feeding, but residents can help by putting out fruit.

Mr Alfrey said: “In the worse-case scenario there could be mass fatalities – feeding birds helps out.”

It is not just migrant birds suffering as a result of the adverse weather conditions.

Mr Alfrey said resident bird species were struggling to survive, and ducks such as teal had abandoned the farmlands because they needed open water.

On Monday, Mr Alfrey spotted these birds at Beddington Farmlands – three yellowhammers, more than 30 skylark, 15 reed bunting, more than 200 linnet, one stonechat, three shoveler, 10 meadow pipit and one green sandpiper. Eighty teal also returned to the lake.