It’s time to prepare for the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey

Photo: Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

A Blue tit and a Great tit

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The countdown has commenced for the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey – and more people in the borough of Rochdale than ever before are being called upon to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (January 24-25).

Now in its 36th year, the Big Garden Birdwatch is fun for all ages and it’s easy to join in. Simply count the birds in your garden or local park for one hour over Big Garden Birdwatch weekend and tell the RSPB what you see.

And for the second time in the event’s history, participants are also being asked to log some of the other wildlife which snuffles and settles in their gardens and local parks, and this year there are two new additions to the survey list; slow worms and grass snakes.

To help you prepare for the Big Garden Birdwatch, there are plenty of events taking place in Hollingworth Lake Country Park and around Greater Manchester throughout January – from discovering how to attract more wildlife into your garden to gaining tips on how to identify the creatures which live on your doorstep.

Jo Keene, RSPB Senior People Engagement Manager in Northern England, said: “Whether it’s the first time you are taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, or you’re already an expert, there are plenty of ways to prepare and join in.

“To take part, all you need to do is spend an hour over the weekend of 24-25 January and count the birds in your garden, it’s that simple. It’s a fantastic way to discover the wildlife on your doorstep and it really helps the RSPB to gain a vital snapshot of garden bird numbers in winter and highlight any dramatic declines, as bird populations are a great indicator of the health of the countryside.
“With the addition of other wildlife to the survey, such as hedgehogs, badgers and frogs, we are able to build up a better idea of how important our gardens are for providing homes for nature.

“Last year, around half a million people took part and seven million birds were counted, so we are hoping even more people join in this year, as the more people involved, the more we can learn. So join in and be part of the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey – without having to leave your sofa.”

Participants can record the birds as they see them directly onto a laptop, tablet or smartphone with an online bird counting tool or send results in the post.

To help attract wildlife into your garden, there are plenty of tips for helping to give nature a home where you live on the RSPB website. No matter how big or small your outside space, there’s something you can do to make a difference. Visit www.rspb.org.uk/homes for more information.

Register to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2015 at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. Alternatively, call 0300 456 8330.