Alongside conservation groups Master Gardeners, Friends of the Earth and Norwich’s Bat Group , the RSPB got the public together for an event at the Norwich Forum called the Big Garden Birdwatcher Weekend.
The main activity of the event was simple. Participants were asked to give an hour of their time to count the birds they could find in their local parks and gardens. The aim of the activity was for the RSPB to be able to gain a higher understanding of these bird’s population, as well as habitat.
Those who went to the event were treated to different things- from a talk about making gardening wildlife-friendly, to some complimentary “mix and pick” bird seeds, and even the opportunity to make their very own bird boxes.
Aggie Rothon, RSPB’s project manager stressed the importance of the activity, saying that they really needed as many people to report the number of birds in their area so that there is greater understanding and information on them.
Aside from participating in the bird watch activity, the organisation also asked the participant’s to improve the state of their personal gardens, so that they may be an upsurge in the bird numbers in the next year.
A participant who sold bird boxes at the event also dispensed important tips. He mentioned that it owners had to make sure that the bird boxes face in the north east direction. Otherwise, the birds will refuse to live in them. Owners do not need to get expensive bird boxes, or paint them in a particular colour. As long as these boxes face in the direction they are supposed to, then there should be no problems.
There were other wildlife-friendly gardening tips dispensed, including to keep the garden a little bit messy. The longer grass is actually a great place for insects to live. These insects will be food for the birds and small animals later on. The weekend event also showcased a wildlife photography exhibit, for the kids, there were story-telling sessions, as well as face painting using nature-inspired themes.
