VOLUNTEERS from the RSPB will visit Wimborne's Knoll Gardens for an open day on Friday, April 28.

The charity's helpers will lead an early morning stroll at the attraction at 8am before meeting visitors to answer questions and give advice.

All members of the RSPB will be given free entry to the gardens during the event.

Knoll's owner Neil Lucas, a lifelong member of the RSPB, will also refund the admission charge for anyone who joins the charity during the open day.

“We are a nation of bird lovers but we are still not doing enough to ensure future generations will be able to hear the amazing dawn chorus I enjoy every morning at Knoll,” said Neil.

“We regularly record over 30 species of bird including woodpeckers, nuthatches and nightjars, and we have a thriving population of tits, bucking the recent Big Garden Birdwatch trend which recorded a national decline of 10 per cent compared to 2016.

“Our charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation, works to promote sustainable gardening to the benefit of wildlife and the gardener. We all need to welcome wildlife into our plots and I’m hoping that in partnership with the RSPB we can show our visitors how they can make a real difference."

The open day will take place between 10am and 4pm. Proof of RSPB membership is required for free admission.

Booking is essential for the guided walk - for information, visit knollgardens.co.uk or call 01202 873931.