The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s biggest wildlife survey, returns on Saturday and Sunday, January 24 and 25.

The wildlife survey, now in its 36th year, provides the RSPB with an important snapshot of garden bird populations in winter and has helped highlight some dramatic declines in UK garden birds over the last three decades.

For the second year running the RSPB is also asking participants to share details of what other wildlife they see in their outside spaces, to build an overall picture of how important our gardens are for giving nature a home.

To take part, people are asked to spend just one hour at any time over that weekend noting the highest number of each bird species seen in their gardens or local park at any one time.

They then have three weeks to submit their results, either online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or in the post.

Results from the findings of the 2014 event, in which almost half a million people recorded the birds they saw over the two days, revealed some interesting changes among our most popular garden birds, with some species that benefit from a bit of extra help creeping up the rankings.

Blue tits emerged in their highest position since Big Garden Birdwatch began, at No.2. The previous occupiers of the second spot, blackbirds, dropped to No.4. Goldfinches climbed another place since the previous year and reached No.7 while the robin dropped back to No.10. There was a new entrant to the top 20 – for the first time ever, the great spotted woodpecker squeezed in at No.20.

The full results can be viewed online at the RSPB website.

RSPB EVENTS IN KENT THIS MONTH

Art in the Watchers’ Room is the name of an exhibition by photographer David Featherbe now on show at RSPB Dungeness until Saturday, January 31. David is a Kent-based photographer who has been taking photographs for some 30 years. His images have appeared in Birdwatch, Bird Watching and RSPB Birds Magazines. His work can be seen in the scenic Watchers’ Room gallery. Entry is free.

Help identify some of the River Cray’s birdlife at a Grade I listed Tudor country house. Hall Place, Bexley is inviting its visitors to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch at the bird hide from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, January 25. Entry is free. Visit www.bexley heritagetrust.org.uk

During the cold months, the reed beds at RSPB Dungeness provide a winter home for a handful of beautiful bitterns. Their experts know just where to look to find these elusive birds, so wrap up warm and join them for a stroll round the nature trail to seek out bitterns and other winter wildlife on Sunday, January 25 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Booking is essential. The cost is £5 to RSPB members and £6 to non-members. Visit www.rspb.org.uk, email dungeness@rspb.org.uk or call 01797 320588.

An illustrated talk by the RSPB’s Kent area manager Alan Johnson, who covers Rainham Marshes, North Kent Marshes and Dungeness, will be given on Tuesday, January 27. The Portland Centre in Hopeville Avenue, St Peter’s, near Broadstairs, will host the talk at 7.30pm. Entry is £3.50 for RSPB members or £4 for non-members. Email therspbthanetlocalgroup@talktalk.net or call 01843 596751.

A field trip at RSPB Dungeness Reserve will be held on Saturday, January 24 and again on Wednesday, January 28. Sightings of a long list of species should be achievable, organisers believe. Entry costs £2 for each of the day-long trips from 10am to 4pm. Booking is essential. Appropriate clothing, binoculars and a packed lunch are essentials. Visit www.rspb.org.uk, email goulden.carol@btinternet.com or call 07867 970512.

Test your bird brain in this week's What's On - we've more than 20 question in our Big Garden Birdwatch quiz