BIRD watchers are invited to take part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.

The RSPB is asking people to spend an hour taking note of which birds they see in their gardens between Saturday and Monday.

Sending the results to the charity will help contribute to valuable statistics so it can monitor trends and declines of species.

More than half a million people counted more than eight million birds last year and even more people are expected to take part this year.

Sara Humphrey, from the RSPB, said: “The information kindly provided from gardens gives us an insight in to the wildlife in private spaces not normally studied by scientists. That’s hugely significant.

“As an indicator of the state of our environment you can’t beat birds. If we have a healthy environment, birds thrive.

“They’re easy to see and record compared with other forms of wildlife. So we need as many people as possible to let us know what birds they see from their homes.

“Even if you see nothing during your Big Garden Birdwatch hour, that’s important information too, so please let us know.”

The results will be published in March.

Last year the house sparrow was the most spotted – with numbers increasing in Brighton and Hove, bucking the national trend. Starlings and woodpigeons were also regularly seen in city gardens.

For a free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch