Bracknell

Bird lovers in Bracknell Forest are being asked to spot the number of feathered friends in their gardens to help determine who is top of the pecking order in the borough.

The Bracknell Bird Bonanza is supporting the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch which takes place on January 26 and 27. Participants are asked to spend an hour spotting birds in their gardens or local parks and to record the number of each bird species observed at any one time.

On Saturday, January 26, residents can also take part in the Bird Safari at South Hill Park in Bracknell, organised by the parks and countryside rangers. Participants can learn about the survey, how to recognise birds and can also take part in some fun activities.

The Council is hoping that species such as the bullfinch will be spotted. This is a key local species which is supported by the borough’s Biodiversity Action Plan and holds special RSPB status due to declining numbers.

The action plan sets out how to protect 24 key species in the borough is known as the Bracknell 24. The barn owl, dartford warbler, hobby, kingfisher, nightjar, skylark, swift and woodlark are birds also included in the Bracknell 24. Advice is available to anyone who would like to improve their garden or land for such birds.

In 2007, more than 400,000 people across the country spotted six million birds in 236,000 gardens as part of the Big Garden Birdwatch; helping to produce a snapshot of the winter bird population. Over 30,000 school children also took part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch using a resource pack provided by the RSPB.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "We are truly fortunate in Bracknell Forest in the diversity of wildlife we have and participating in the Bracknell Bird Bonanza is a great way to learn about the birds which live around us.

"The results will help us better protect our local wildlife as well as adding to the RSPB’s knowledge of birdlife across the country.”

For more information visit the Council’s biodiversity webpage at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/environment or www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch where an online survey form will be available. Alternatively call the Biodiversity Officer for local advice on 01344 354125 or RSPB on 0870 600 7108 (calls charged at national rate).

Bracknell Forest Borough Council