You can learn to tell your blackbirds from your blue tits with a beginners' bird identification class with the RSPB this month.

The fun, family event will help you spot the different garden birds, before taking you around the site so you can try out your new skills.

It's also a precursor to the charity's Big Garden Birdwatch, which is a national survey of garden birds, and takes place later this month.

Whether you’re kickstarting the new year with a new interest or just looking to brush up on your birdwatching, the event could be for you, and any money raised goes to help the RSPB nature reserve team's wildlife conservation work.

The first is on Sunday, January 9; the second on Wednesday, January 12; the third on Sunday, January 16 and the last on Tuesday, January 18. All sessions are from 10am to noon.

It costs £10.50 and £6 for children, with admission to RSPB Dungeness nature reserve included. To book click here.