NATURE lovers are being invited to take part in a national survey of wildlife this month.

The RSPB’s 35th annaul Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on January 25 and 26.

It invites residents to count the birds in their garden or nearby park for one hour during the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend and tell the RSBP what they see.

This year, for the first time, the RSPB also wants to know what other wildlife people see in their gardens and parks during the hour.

Jo Keene, from the RSPB, said: “It’s not just the birds which need our help; almost half our hedgehogs have disappeared in the last 25 years.

“So although we still want you to count our feathered friends during the hour, as they are a brilliant indicator of the health of our countryside, we also want to hear if you have ever seen other wildlife such as badgers, squirrels or frogs in your garden or local park.

“It really is a great chance to become a wildlife detective and help build a picture of how important our gardens are for giving a nature a home.”

For more information visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or call 0300 456 8330.