THE world’s biggest wildlife survey returns this weekend and Dorset residents are being urged to count their feathered friends.

Last year over half a million people across the UK took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, organised by the RSPB, and between them counted more than eight million birds.

Across Dorset the blackbird was the most widely spotted, followed by the robin, blue tit, wood pigeon and the house sparrow.

Now in its 37th year the wildlife survey provides the RSPB with an important snapshot of garden bird populations in winter and has helped highlight some dramatic declines in species.

Everyone can join in by spending just an hour over the weekend noting the highest number of bird species seen in their garden or local park at one time and submitting the results to the RSPB.

Morwenna Alldis, spokesperson for the RSPB South West said: “After you’re done, submit your results either online, using our live Big Garden Birdwatch App or pop your survey form in the post – it’s as simple as that.

"We’re basically asking everyone to take an hour’s break to enjoy looking at nature, so not only is this survey great for our UK wildlife, it’s also brilliant for our mental wellbeing too, by helping us reconnect to the natural world.

“Once we have received everyone’s results RSPB experts analyse the data and are able to see which birds are doing well, and importantly, which species may be in trouble and in need of our extra support.”

It isn’t just feathered friends that the RSPB is looking to preserve with this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch event.

Hedgehogs, squirrels and badgers have also been part of the survey since 2014 and this year will mark the first appearance of foxes and stoats on the list.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist added: “The threats to our wildlife means that it’s facing tough times. For example it is estimated that we’ve lost more than half of our hedgehogs in the last 50 years. We're going to include this part of the survey every year now, enabling us to monitor the distribution of our other wildlife as well as trends in bird numbers.”

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, register at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch to receive a free pack with all of the information and equipment you need.