A GARDEN centre near Tenbury is encouraging people to turn their eyes to the skies this weekend.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s biggest wildlife survey – returns on Saturday and Sunday January 27 and 28.

Burford House Garden Store is encouraging customers to get their gardens ready for our feathered friends.

More than half a million people across the UK are expected to watch and count their garden birds over the weekend. The Birdwatch involves spending an hour watching and counting the birds that visit your outdoor space, before sending the results to the RSPB.

Last year, more than eight million birds were spotted in UK gardens with the house sparrow, starling and blackbird making up the top three.

“The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is a great family activity to get involved in and get children engaged with nature,” said Paul Benson, Manager of the Burford House Garden Store.

“Cold, winter weather brings birds into our gardens seeking food and shelter so it is important to put food and water out for them to keep them happy and healthy.”

The Bird Watch privides vital scientific information.