Families, schools and businesses across Essex have been invited to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2002, the UK's biggest and longest running garden bird survey, on January 26 and 27.

The survey, organised by the RSPB, aims to find the most commonly seen garden birds, and to see if and where species are rising or declining in number.

All participants have to do is to spend one hour counting the birds in their garden, school yard or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time.

Last year's survey attracted a massive 50,000 birdwatchers in nearly 30,000 gardens, doubling the number in previous years, but they hope that this year, it will be bigger and better.

Gerry Johnson, leader of the RSPB Wildlife Explorers Chelmsford Group, who will be taking part in the survey, said: "The survey is done on a national scale and it looks at the trends from year to year and if there are any increases and decreases in species.

"This is a big event which anyone can get involved in and it only takes up an hour of your time. I understand that last year, birds were counted in over 30,000 gardens, which is great."

Two Essex Inns have prepared for the survey by installing special bird feeders.

The Angel at Main Road, Broomfield, and The Fox and Raven, at Barnes Mill Road, Chelmer Village, will keep the feeders well supplied with suitable foods in the hope they will have a good selection of feathered visitors.

Conner Dowd, landlord of The Angel, said: "Our gardens are busy all summer but in the winter we get a different kind of guest. We are delighted to be supporting the RSPB in this huge event. We also plan to include pictures of the birds we see on our future menus."

Schools are also invited to take part in the survey, but instead of the weekend, they can take part on any day of the week, starting on January 21 to 27.

To send in your results online, visit the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch where the survey form will be available from early January until February 28.

Alternatively, Big Garden Birdwatch packs can also be obtained by writing to: The RSPB, Big Garden Birdwatch, Somers House, Somers Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 9DU or by phoning 0870 601 0215.

Published Monday January 14, 2002