How to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch in Kent this weekend

by Angela Cole

Could you do your bit for nature whilst giving the kids something worthwhile to keep them occupied too.

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, takes place this weekend - and it will only take up an hour of your time to help our feathered friends.

A Robin comes in for some dinner Picture: David Tiling/RSPB Images

Running from Friday, January 29 to Sunday, January 31, all you need to get involved is an hour to record the birds and other wildlife you see in your garden, nearby green space, or just out of your window.

This year, we’ve seen how important the natural world is to our mental health and wellbeing - which is why organisers are hoping to see more people than ever take part, after more than 16,700 Kent residents took part last year.

House sparrows head for the feeder Picture: RSPB Images/ Ben Hall

The charity simply asks for you to look out of your window at the birds - something many of us have got quite practised at while staying home.

The data collected will create a snapshot of bird numbers across the UK and how they have fared since the project began 42 years ago.

In Kent, and across the country, house sparrows topped the rankings last year, despite a national decline. Blue tits also joined in as among the most sighted birds in the county.

A family watch a Blue Tit feeding Picture: Ben Hall/RSPB Images (44043542)

A common garden bird thanks to the provision of winter food and nest boxes, blue tits are on the rise across the country, with an 8% increase in the population since 1979. Other birds featuring in Kent's Top 10 were goldfinches, robins and great tits.

Sparrows are doing well in Kent Picture: Ray Kennedy/RSPB Images

Seeing a positive change across Kent gardens, great tits were found in more than half of the county’s gardens and greenspaces. Often gathering together on feeders with similar birds such as blue tits, be sure to look out for them closely this year.

A Blue Tit balances on a feeder Picture: Chris Gomersall/RSPB Images

A great opportunity to connect with nature and help with the RSPB’s work no matter how much you know about garden birds, the RSPB has a free Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, by texting BIRD to 70030 or register at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

For tips on feeding garden birds in winter click here.

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids in Kent click here.