To celebrate the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, Castle Gardens in Sherborne will present a new birdhouse and feeder to the bird-lover who spots and records the most varieties during the event which takes place on January 26-27.

To help with record-keeping, Birdwatch counting sheets are available from Castle Gardens, online at www.thegardeneronline.co.uk or www.rspb.org.uk

Completed forms need to be back at Castle Gardens by Sunday, February 3, when the winner will be selected after the number of bird varieties is confirmed.  

Mike Burks, from Castle Gardens, comments: “The recent cold weather has made more people aware of birds and that’s brilliant but it’s important to keep bird feeders topped up and clear of any snow so that birds can spot the food and reach it without using loads of energy.

"As gardeners already know, birds are like an unpaid army of natural pest controllers and they come every day if they feel welcome! The fact that they are a delight to watch is just an added bonus."

“We want to support the RSPB event and encourage people to take part in such an important recording of Britain’s birds,” said Mike.