BIRD lovers in Wyre Forest are being urged to take part in the biggest ever survey of garden visitors this month.

The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to urge readers to spend an hour watching the birds in their garden during the weekend of January 25 and 26.

Organisers particularly hope parents will encourage children to take part to help them learn how to identify our native birds.

A similar survey conducted last year involved 3,000 people across Worcestershire and Herefordshire - this year it is hoped more than 5,000 will join in.

In the last survey the most frequent visitor to Wyre Forest gardens was the house sparrow, followed by the starling, blue tit, blackbird and greenfinch.

Andy Waters, RSPB public affairs officer, said: "Big Garden Birdwatch is great fun and helps us find out how garden birds are fairing. Recent surveys showed song thrushes, house sparrows and starlings are in trouble and need our help."

People taking part simply have to log the identity of each visiting bird during the hour-long watch and then submit the details to the RSPB.

Results can be submitted online by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch by the end of January, or by completing a survey form which can be obtained by phoning 0870 601 0215 before January 20.