THOUSANDS of people across the North-East are expected to be on the lookout for birds as part of the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.

Now in its 39th year, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch will take place from Saturday, January 27, until Monday, January 29.

The public are asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or local green space, then send their results to the RSPB.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientist, said: “By counting the birds that visit your outdoor space, you’ll be joining a team of over half-a-million people across the UK who are making a difference for nature.”

On Saturday, January 27, at Wharton Park Heritage Centre, in Durham, the RSPB will be on hand from 10am until 3pm with information about how to take part and advice on how to attract garden wildlife.

A team will also be on hand on Sunday, January 28, at Ropner Park, in Stockton-on-Tees.

As well as counting birds, the RSPB is once again asking participants to log some of the other wildlife they have seen throughout the year. This year, people are being asked to look out for badger, fox, grey squirrel, red squirrel, muntjac deer, roe deer, frog and toad.