Nature lovers are invited to get twitchy this weekend.

The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch is taking place on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 – and it’s free to take part.

The annual wildlife survey provides the RSPB with an important snapshot of garden bird populations in winter and has helped to highlight some dramatic declines in UK garden birds over the last 30 years.

Simply register online before the day to receive your free guide, and watch the birds in your garden or local green space for one hour during the Birdwatch weekend.

Record the highest number of species you see at any one time – rather than totalling them up over the hour – as otherwise you may record the same bird twice.

This year, for the first time, people can use their mobiles and tablets to take part in the survey, or paper forms can still be delivered by mail.

RSPB South East spokesman Sue Royal said: “Bird populations are a great indicator of the health of the countryside. That’s why it’s so important to take part in surveys like the Big Garden Birdwatch to keep an eye on the ups and downs of the wildlife where we live.

“The more people involved, the more we can learn. So, grab a cuppa and together we can all help to give nature a home.”

For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk

OTHER RSPB events

Sunday, January 26
Dungeness walk
Meet at the Old Lighthouse at 9am for an all-day guided walk around Dungeness, normally home to lots of different birds at this time of year. Admission is free with a suggested donation of £1. Booking is essential. Call 01227 275186.

Tuesday, January 28
Landscapes of the British Isles by Heather Willis
Photographer Heather Willis will use her own pictures to illustrate a talk about the scenery of the UK and its natural history. It starts at 7.30pm at the Portland Centre in Broadstairs. Admission is £3 for non-members. Call 01843 596751.

Wednesday, January 29
Landscapes of the British Isles by Heather Willis
Another chance to enjoy a talk by Heather Willis, illustrated with her own pictures, about the UK’s landscape. Again, it starts at 7.30pm at the Portland Centre in Broadstairs and admission is £3 for non-members. Call 01843 596751.