WILDLIFE lovers from seasoned birdwatches to fledgling enthusiasts on a flying visit were swiftly taken under the wing at a city park.

The Worcester and Malvern RSPB group and Friends of Fort Royal played their part in the free RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch at the city's Fort Royal Park today (Saturday) between 9am and 11am.

Worcester News: VANTAGE: Kerry Castle, chair of the Friends of Fort Royal, with a swift box to entice and encourage our bird population to thrive VANTAGE: Kerry Castle, chair of the Friends of Fort Royal, with a swift box to entice and encourage our bird population to thrive (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Described as the UK's biggest citizen science wildlife survey, taking part helps the RSPB understand how garden birds are doing right now.

For those who missed the event in Fort Royal today, it will be repeated at the same time tomorrow (Sunday) and the real hope is that the enthusiasm of the organisers will prove a nest egg for the next generation, illustrating the importance of conserving and protecting the natural world, including bird life.

Worcester News: FUTURE: Jane Simmonds, a member of the local RSPB group, was keen to foster an interest among young people in protecting the city's bird population with these free activity books for them to enjoy FUTURE: Jane Simmonds, a member of the local RSPB group, was keen to foster an interest among young people in protecting the city's bird population with these free activity books for them to enjoy (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Bird enthusiasts said the park was the perfect perch to see the city's birds including Redwings (winter thrushes from Scandinavia), Coal Tits and even ravens and Peregrine Falcons nesting at Worcester Cathedral. 

Worcester News: WILDLIFE: Rosemary Henman with a helpful chart to help people identify any birds they might have spotted in Fort Royal Park WILDLIFE: Rosemary Henman with a helpful chart to help people identify any birds they might have spotted in Fort Royal Park (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Simon Evans, secretary of the local branch, said it was the first time they had taken part in the Big Garden Birdwatch in the park. For those who have caught the birdwatching bug, he said members and non-members alike were welcome to join them at Powick Village Hall on the second Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm.

Mr Evans said: "The RSPB is about a lot more than birds these days. We have to look after the environment and habitats. It is important that the whole population raises their awareness just a bit and becomes a little bit more nature-friendly. We want people to be interested in nature and sympathetic to nature."

Worcester News: READY: Little escaped the eagle-eyes of Richard Townshend at Fort Royal Park as he took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch READY: Little escaped the eagle-eyes of Richard Townshend at Fort Royal Park as he took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Kerry Castle, chair of the Friends of Fort Royal, said their focus had shifted to smaller and more frequent events at the park.

"This is a really good example of the things we hope to do," she said.

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Rosemary Henman, a member of the local group, said they were now closely involved with Worcestershire schools - Stanley Road Primary School, Honeywell Primary School in St John's, Hallow C of E Primary School and Broadheath C of E Primary School.

The group was ready to hand out free colourful workbooks to stir more interest in birds among young people.

Mrs Henman said: "It is getting people interested in birds but also concerns the bigger picture about the planet, including habitats. Nature needs a big hand right now."

The group has several projects on the go including a Sand Martin Hotel due to be returned to Diglis Island in March which includes 30 nest boxes.

This has already been a difference, 43 chicks fledged in 2022 but this increased to 72 chicks last year.