THE world's largest garden wildlife survey is now underway and thousands of people across Wirral are being invited to take part.

Now in its 39th year, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018 takes place on January 27, 28 and 29.

People young and old are being asked to spend one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or local green space before sending their results to the RSPB.

Last year almost half-a-million people joined in with the world's largest garden wildlife survey including more than 9,700 in Cheshire and Wirral - counting more than eight million birds.

The house sparrow remained at the top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings in the county, with blackbird and blue tit rounding off the top three.

As well as counting birds, the RSPB is also asking participants to log some of the other wildlife they have seen throughout the year.

Among those to look out for include badgers, foxes, grey squirrels, red squirrels, muntjac deer, roe deer, frogs and toads.

To prepare for the main event, a ‘Big Garden Birdwatch quiz trail’ will be taking place at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve near Neston throughout the month.

Families are encouraged to take part in this self-led activity to discover more about garden birds and how to take part in the Birdwatch.

RSPB conservation scientist Daniel Hayhow said: “The birds we see in our garden are often the first experience we have with nature – whether it’s a flock of starlings at the feeder, a robin perched on the fence or some house sparrows splashing in the bird bath.

"But it may come as a surprise to know that some of our most-loved species are in desperate need of our help as their numbers have dropped dramatically.

“The Big Garden Birdwatch is a great opportunity to get involved with helping our garden wildlife.

"By counting the birds that visit your outdoor space, you’ll be joining a team of over half-a-million people across the UK who are making a difference for nature.

"It only takes an hour so grab a cuppa, sit back and see who makes a flying visit to your garden.”

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2018, participants should watch the birds in the garden or local park for one hour at some point over the three days.

Only the birds that land in the garden or local park should be counted, not those flying over.

The highest number of each type of bird seen at any one time then needs to be sent to the RSPB.

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

More details can be found at rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands