North East bird lovers needed for world's biggest bird survey

The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch will take place on 28, 29 and 30 January 2017. Credit: Sojka Libor/Czech News Agency/Press Association Images

Calling all nature lovers from the North East!

People from the North East are being asked to take part in the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend.

The world's largest garden wildlife survey, now in its 38th year, takes place on 28, 29 and 30 January 2017.

The charity is asking people to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or local public space, then to send their results to them.

For the first time in its history, people will also be able to take part on the Monday, extending the birdwatch to three days.

It is hoped this will allow even more people to spend an hour counting the birds in their park or garden, adding to the snapshot of how they are doing.

To help prepare for the Big Garden Birdwatch, there are plenty of events taking place in the North East this January - from discovering how to attract more wildlife into your garden to gaining tips on how to identify the creatures that live on your doorstep.

Over half a million people counted more than eight million birds in 2016 - and even more are expected to take part this year.

The following venues are taking part in this year's survey:

*Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 January, RSPB Saltholme near Stockton-on-Tees between 10 am-4 pm

*Saturday 28 January, Head to Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle between 10 am-4 pm

*Saturday 28 January, RSPB Newcastle Local Group at Jesmond Dene between10 am-2 pm.

*Saturday 28 January, RSPB Middlesbrough at Stewart Park between 10 am-4 pm.

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."

Results will be published in March 2017.