The House Sparrow: Last years top bird
Photo: RSPB Images

THE WORLD'S biggest survey of wild birds is underway across Britain this weekend - and amateur birdwatchers with internet access are being asked to take part.

The Big Garden BirdWatch, organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds since the 1970s, means that the UK has the most up-to-date data on birdlife in the world. But with changes being brought about by global warming, it is vital that older records be updated with the latest figures.

Amateur birdwatchers are being asked to spend one hour in their gardens or any open space like a public park and count and number the birds they see on either Saturday or Sunday and then fill in a form that can be downloaded from the RSPB website.

The site also offers mass of information to identify rarer birds. To take part, see www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

• People in West Craven can take part in the Big Garden BirdWatch - on Saturday 27th January, the event kicks off in Walverden Park from 1.30pm till 2.30pm before moving on to Barrowford Park between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.
  On Sunday, people should meet in Marsden Park, Nelson, at 1.30pm for an hour; then the last part of the event takes place in Sough Park, from 3.30pm till 4.30pm.