FAMILIES in Dorset are being urged to start preparing for the 2016 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

It is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and will be celebrating 37 years on the weekend of January 30-31 next year.

Thousands of people from Dorset usually take part in the survey, which helps the RSPB gather vital data on bird populations.

RSPB South West spokesman Morwenna Alldis said: “The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is 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."

She added: “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."

Participants are asked 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 bleak picture of UK wildlife. Many once common-place species are rapidly declining, for example, hedgehog numbers have worryingly dropped by over 50 per cent in the last 50 years."

Morwenna Alldis added: “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.”

For more information about the Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 visit: rspb.org.uk/Birdwatch

The parallel event, Big Schools’ Birdwatch takes place during the first half of spring term 2016. Further information can be found at: rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch

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