North East nature lovers wanted for world's biggest bird survey

  • Tyne Tees
Birdwatchers are wanted to take part in the world's biggest survey Credit: PA

North East nature lovers are wanted for the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey .

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, runs on January 28, 29 and 30.

People are asked to spend one hour watching and recording the birds and other wildlife in their garden or local public space, then send their results to the RSPB.

As the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, now in its 38th year, more than half a million people are expected to take part in 2017.

For the first time, people will also be able to take part on the Monday (January 30) extending the birdwatch to three days to allow more people to take part.

A series of events are being held across the region to help people prepare:

Birdwatchers are wanted to take part in the world's biggest survey Credit: PA

  • RSPB Saltholme, near Stockton-on-Tees from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 January, between 10am and 4pm.

  • Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle on Saturday 28 January, between 10am and 4pm.

  • Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, on Saturday 28 January, between 10am and 2pm.

  • Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, on Saturday January 28 between 10am and 4pm.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist said: “With over half a million people now regularly taking part, coupled with over 30 years worth of data, Big Garden Birdwatch allows us to monitor trends and helps us understand how birds are doing. With results from so many gardens, we are able to create a 'snapshot' of the birds visiting at this time of year across the UK. Even if you see nothing during your Big Garden Birdwatch hour, that’s important information too, so please let us know.”

People can download a Big Garden Birdwatch pack at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Results will be published in March 2017.