HAMPSHIRE residents are being encouraged to take part in the world’s biggest wildlife survey.

The ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’ is organised by the RSPB and helps monitor vital trends in bird wildlife.

Residents in Hampshire are being asked to get involved by spending an hour a day recording the birds they see from the windows and gardens.

This will be the 42nd year the survey has taken place and is a great opportunity to connect with nature and help keep a watch on the bird population in Britain.

This year, the survey runs from January 29-31.

Data collected will help create a ‘snapshot’ of bird numbers across the UK.

Last year, house sparrows in Hampshire topped the rankings in despite wider national decline.

Teachers can also get involved with extra resources in the ‘Big Schools Birdwatch which is also entering its 20th anniversary.

This take place during the first spring term from January 6 - February 21 and is a great way to help connect children with nature in their school’s grounds.

The survey is a great opportunity to connect with nature - no matter how much you know about garden birds already.

The RSPB will also provide a free Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, a RSPB shop voucher plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden.

The charity hopes to see contiued postive across the county.change for example, long-tailed tits were found in nearly 5% more Hampshire gardens in 2020 compared to previous years

RSPB’s Chief Executive, Beccy Speight said: “We know that for many people, garden birds provide an important connection to the wider world and bring enormous joy. Lockdown brought few benefits, but the last year has either started or reignited a love of nature for many people.

“There has been a broad and much needed realisation that nature is an important and necessary part of our lives especially for our mental health and wellbeing. But nature needs us too.

“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you are helping to build an annual snapshot of how our birdlife is doing across the UK. It is only by us understanding how our wildlife is faring that we can protect it. We know that nature is in crisis but together, we can take action to solve the problems facing nature.”

Find out more visit: rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge.