THE RSPB South West is encouraging people in the region to start preparing their gardens for the 2016 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

It is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, celebrating 37 years on Saturday and Sunday, Nauary 30 and 31.

Morwenna Alldis, spokeswoman for the RSPB South West, said: “It’s nearly time for one of the most important and exciting events in the conservation calendar, The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – a chance for everyone to actively help nature by donating just one hour of their time to count the birds and other wildlife in their gardens.

"The data gathered from this survey provides a vital health-check of the wildlife that we share our homes with.

"Birds don’t exist in isolation; they are part of a far larger web of life and their species numbers provide an indication of possible threats to our wildlife, such as a reduction in a specific food source or a loss of habitat.

"The data that the public collects across the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch weekend, is absolutely crucial to enable conservationists to target their work in the areas that most need it.

“It couldn’t be easier to take part in the survey. Pick up a survey leaflet from your local reserve (leaflets will be available after Christmas).

"Or pop onto the RSPB website and input your results online. Then make yourself a cuppa, grab a plate of biscuit dunkers and site in front of your garden window for just one hour across the birdwatch weekend.

"Tally up the garden visitors that you spot during this time and submit your results. Simples!

“The Big Garden Birdwatch asks participants to not only record their feathered garden visitors, but also other garden wildlife too, including hedgehogs, foxes, stoats and squirrels.

"The 2013 state of nature report painted a very bleak picture of our UK wildlife.

"Many once common-place species are rapidly declining, for example, hedgehog numbers have worryingly dropped by over 50% in the last 50 years.

"We need to monitor our local wildlife numbers so that we can all take positive action to save it before it’s too late.

“The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is part of the RSPB’s Give Nature a Home campaign and everyone can do there bit to help.

"As temperatures gradually start to drop, the natural food available for our birds and other wildlife becomes scarcer and so our feathered and spiky friends are more likely to visit our gardens in the hope of supplementing their diets.

"Birds need calorie-rich food at this time of year, to help them maintain their fat reserves. Opt for peanuts, sunflower hearts, suet balls, finely chopped bacon rind and even a little bit of grated cheese in your feeders and on bird tables. For a balanced diet, still provide your normal seed mix, as well as these fattier foods."

 

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientist, said: “Last year’s Big Garden Birdwatch survey saw more than eight-and-a-half million birds spotted, making it another great year for participation.

"With over half a million people now regularly taking part, coupled with over 30 years worth of data, this survey allows us to monitor trends and helps us understand how birds are doing.

“With the results from so many gardens, we are able to create a ‘snapshot’ of bird numbers across the UK.

"Once we know which birds are in trouble, together we can ensure that our garden wildlife will be around forever.”