RSPB calls on support for Big Garden Birdwatch 08

Saturday 26 January 2008

Sunday 27 January 2008

00.00

N.Ireland

No cost

Event

RSPB calls on public to support Big Garden Birdwatch 2008

Fancy participating in the world's largest bird survey?

The weekend beginning 26 January 2sees the return of the RSPB’s 29th annual Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s largest bird survey. Locally, this initiative continues to go from strength to strength. Last year was a record breaking year with 6,629 participants - an increase of 7% on 2006. In addition, the ever popular Big Schools Birdwatch runs from 21 January to 1 February.

Essentially, Big Garden Birdwatch gives people the opportunity to participate in a survey to track changes and trends in garden bird numbers from year to year. Taking part could not be easier, simply go into the garden for one hour on either Saturday or Sunday January and simply record what you see.

Not only does Big Garden Birdwatch engage thousands of people with the birds around them, it has provided the RSPB with vital scientific data. Big Garden Birdwatch has not only captured the public’s interest in the environment and the birds which frequent our gardens and local green spaces, but also through helping collect data on local bird numbers, so that we can help understand such trends.

For further information and online resources to help you with your birdwatch, visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch where an online survey form will be available from the weekend of Big Garden Birdwatch until 18 February 2008.

Information

Alternatively, Big Garden Birdwatch forms can be obtained by phoning 0870 600 7108 (calls charged at national rate)

Forms can also be obtained by contacting RSPB NI Headquarters on 02890 491547.

Contact person: Colum Delaney, RSPB NI Press Adviser, 028 9069 0843 or 0773 647 7526.