We’ve all got closer nature in recent times - but what about doing your bit for it too?

You can join the largest wildlife survey in the world, the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, this weekend - and it will only take up an hour of your time to help our feathered friends.

Running from Friday, January 29 to Sunday, January 31, all you need to get involved is an hour to record the birds and other wildlife you see in your garden, nearby green space, or just out of your window.

This year, we’ve seen how important the natural world is to our mental health and wellbeing - which is why organisers are hoping to see more people than ever take part, after more than 16,700 Kent residents took part last year.

The charity simply asks for you to look out of your window at the birds - something many of us have got quite practised at while staying home.

The data collected will create a snapshot of bird numbers across the UK and how they have fared since the project began 42 years ago.

In Kent, and across the country, house sparrows topped the rankings last year, despite a national decline. Blue tits also joined in as among the most sighted birds in the county.

A common garden bird thanks to the provision of winter food and nest boxes, blue tits are on the rise across the country, with an 8% increase in the population since 1979. Other birds featuring in Kent's Top 10 were goldfinches, robins and great tits.

Seeing a positive change across Kent gardens, great tits were found in more than half of the county’s gardens and greenspaces. Often gathering together on feeders with similar birds such as blue tits, be sure to look out for them closely this year.

A great opportunity to connect with nature and help with the RSPB’s work no matter how much you know about garden birds, the RSPB has a free Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, by texting BIRD to 70030 or register at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

For tips on feeding garden birds in winter click here.

For gardening tips this time of year click here.