A national charity has launched its annual birdwatching survey.

With spring just around the corner, the RSPB are urging people to get ready for their yearly Big Garden Birdwatch.

The event takes place on January 26-28, 2019. The public is 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.

As Wales celebrates the Year of Discovery in 2019, the countdown has commenced for the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey – and more people in Wales than ever before are being called upon to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

RSPB Newport Wetlands is situated in the south of Gwent and makes up part of the Gwent Levels. Largely man-made, utilising materials from the old steelworks, the reserve is a haven for a variety of species.

Visitor experience assistant Keelan Powell said: “Overall in Wales, the birds we have are different to the UK as a whole. For example, the chaffinch is 10th overall in Britain, whereas in Wales it is at number five.

“In terms of the more local Newport area, house sparrows are still fairly likely to be seen, as are starlings. We actually have amazing starling murmurations here at the reserve.”

There is the chance of seeing something more unusual in Gwent during the Big Garden Birdwatch, however. But you may have to sit still and stay quiet for a while.

Mr Powell said: “Patience is key, the birds won’t always arrive straight away.

“Woodpeckers, bullfinches and goldcrests are in the area. However, they are harder to spot as they are often shyer species.”

Just one hour every year, for the last 40 years, has made the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch the largest garden wildlife citizen science project. During that time, hundreds of thousands of people have volunteered their time providing the RSPB with more than 8 million hours of monitoring garden birds. More than 130 million birds have been counted since the Birdwatch began in 1979.

So, what is the best way to prepare your garden for the big weekend? Mr Powell had a few simple tips you can use to try and attract some more avian visitors.

He said: “Lots of people like paving their gardens and getting rid of plants. That’s the worst thing you can do! The best thing is small trees and shrubs. You can obviously leave food for the birds too.

“For birds like thrushes and blackbirds then holly is the way to go, they love the berries. For goldfinches, it’s niger seeds. Basically, a little research into what the birds in your area eat goes a long way.”

Mike Clarke, RSPB Chief Executive, said: “The survey started as a winter activity for our youth members. It’s now the largest garden wildlife survey in the world and appeals to both children and adults because it’s an enjoyable, easy, inclusive activity that anyone can do and a great opportunity to connect with nature.”

For your free 40th anniversary Big Garden Birdwatch pack, which includes a bird identification chart, plus RSPB shop voucher and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch