Page 52 • The HERALD • 8th January 2026 v THE HERALD - SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES v DOWN THE GARDEN PATH SPADEWORK Family Landscaping & Fencing Team ] Decking & Natural Sandstone Paving ] Patios ] Driveways ] Block Paving ] Turfing ] All Types of Domestic & Commercial Fencing ] Security Fencing Supplied & Fitted Tel: (023) 8089 4909 Mobile: 07703 566814 u Free Estimates u Fully Insured Fred Hurst 023 8084 2191 or 07761 467217 • Grass Cutting • Garden Clearance • Hedge Cutting • Fallen Trees Cleared • Mini Digger Hire with Operator • Property Clearance • Small Demolition • Tractor Flail Cutting FULLY INSURED v FREE QUOTATIONS All Aspects of Garden Work Undertaken • Driveways • Paving • Artificial Grass • Turfing • Decking • Fencing • Hedge Cutting • Landscaping Hythe Garden Contractors Family company established 1977 For a free quotation please call 023 8084 3556 or 023 8084 0378 anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! A park, balcony, allotment or window box will do. Simply spend an hour and count the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.” Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. 2025 results revealed that House Sparrow was still ranked number one for the 22nd year in a row. However, numbers were down 11% compared to 2024. Average House Sparrow counts were the lowest since 1998 and down 64% compared to the rst BGBW in 1979. Starlings dropped out of UK’s top three garden birds as the lowest average count ever recorded. Average Woodpigeon counts increased, largely mirroring the national trend in breeding population. Average counts in 2025 were the highest ever recorded in Big Garden Birdwatch. It is the rst time, Woodpigeon has been ranked in 3rd place at a UK level. Beccy added: “Even on the greyest winter day, garden birds bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives. Take a moment to pause, to listen, to notice. We need nature, and nature needs us. By joining the Big Garden Birdwatch you’re doing something positive for birds and nature. Because when we act for nature together, we can do so much more.” To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, watch the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those ying over. Tell the RSPB the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour. Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch is now open. To receive your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identi cation chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop o er, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727, or you can choose a free digital guide (which helps the RSPB spend more on nature by reducing costs) by visiting: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch e world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns this month, with hundreds of thousands of people watching and counting the UK’s garden birds over the last weekend in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (BGBW). Almost 600,000 people took part in 2025, counting more than 9 million birds of over 80 species – an amazing achievement. e survey provides a valuable snapshot of how our most common garden birds are faring and taking part is one positive way to take action for birds and nature. is year’s event takes place on 23rd, 24th and 25th January. People across the UK are asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden or local park, or from their balcony, then send their results to the RSPB. e Birdwatch, which started in 1979, has become the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. Over that time, more than 200 million birds have been counted and over 12.6 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds. Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK, are helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Birds and wildlife are struggling right now. Every observation counts, even if you see nothing at all. Whether you live in a city or the countryside, Together, Let’s Make It Count: RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 Starling (Credit: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com))
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