TWITCHERS are being invited to two events in Tendring as part of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

Tendring Council is running events in the grounds of Weeley Crematorium, between 10am and 12noon on Saturday, January 26, and at Cliff Park, Dovercourt between 2 and 4pm.

The events are part of the council’s community involvement commitment for its Green Flag awards, which four of the council’s open spaces hold.

Anyone attending is advised to wear warm clothing, and attendees can bring their own equipment for viewing but a number of binoculars will be available to borrow at both events.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place annually and is now 40 years old.

Taking place this year from January 26 to 28, it is the world’s largest wildlife survey with more than eight million hours spent watching garden birds since it was launched in 1979.

Michael Talbot, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said the birdwatches are a wonderful opportunity to see wildlife within the community.

“Whether you’re an avid twitcher or an occasional birder – or just find nature interesting – it can sometimes be easy to forget that there is so much to see right on our doorstep,” he said.

“You don’t have to go far afield to a nature reserve to see some of nature’s most beautiful specimens.”

For further details phone 01255 686677 or email openspaceenquiries@tendringdc.gov.uk.

To find out more about the birdwatch, go to rspb.org.uk.