People are being asked to help feed the ducks as winter draws in – but there is one thing you should never give them.

Most people feed our feathered friends white bread, but it turns out that is actually really bad for them.

Ducks will normally feed on insects and grass, but these are more difficult to find in the winter when the ground is often frozen.

Leftover greens including kale, cabbage and lettuce are great alternatives.

You could also give them oats, corn, defrosted frozen peas or cut up leftover veg

The advice has come from the Canal & River Trust, which cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales.

Peter Birch, national environment policy advisor for the charity Canal & River Trust, said: “This is the perfect time of year to get out with the family and enjoy the waterways but also help the hundreds of thousands of ducks who live on our canals and rivers.

“Ducks and other wild waterfowl need our support even more around this time of year to help supplement their natural food source, when plants and flowers begin to die back and become scarcer.”

Uneaten soggy bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients which can lead to greater algae growth, spread disease and encourage pests such as rats.

Throwing bread into a canal or river can create overcrowding of bird populations, as the birds will flock to the same location in search of their starchy treat.

Too many ducks or waterfowl in one place can stress the birds and lead to their habitats being damaged. It also creates excessive amounts of bird poo which is smelly and slippery underfoot.

He added: “We’d like people to make a few simple changes on their visit to feed the ducks.

“Don’t follow the crowds, spread the love, and visit a new family of ducks to prevent large quantities of food from clogging up the same places and potentially damaging the environment.”

Ducks will normally feed on insects and grass, but these are more difficult to find in the winter when the ground is often frozen. Leftover greens including kale, cabbage and lettuce are great alternatives.

He added: “Your visit to the canal will be good for the ducks’ wellbeing and good for your wellbeing. We often go into a human hibernation and stay indoors more as winter approaches but this is a great way of getting the family out for some fresh air.”

To help families enjoy their time even more when visiting a waterway this autumn, the charity has created a free activity booklet which is full of helpful tips on how to care for our feathered friends and have fun at your local canal or river. To download your free guide visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/duck-guide