Help be part ofworld’s biggest wildlife survey

Almost 600,000 people across the UK took part in 2013 and between them counted more than 9 million birds.

The annual wildlife survey provides the RSPB with an important snapshot of garden bird populations in winter and has helped to highlight some dramatic declines in UK garden birds over the last 30 years.

Schools can also get involved in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch. Almost 90,000 children and teachers take part each year, and it’s a brilliant way of helping young people connect with nature in their school grounds or local green space.

This year’s schools’ birdwatch will take place from 20 January – 14 February 2014, and schools can pick any hour within this period to join in.

The RSPB produces a free teachers’ pack brimming with ideas, activities and information to help schools plan a fantastic birdwatch.

This year for the first time people can use their mobiles and tablets to take part in the survey. Find out more at: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch and for BSBW at: www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch

The more people involved, the more we can learn. So, grab a cuppa and together we can all help to give nature a home.

Report contributed by the RSPB. Picture taken by Horsham resident Steve Payne after spotting the robin in his garden.