The world's largest garden wildlife survey is set to return later this month, offering a glimpse into the state of the UK’s garden birds.

In 2023, more than half a million people across the UK took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, counting more than nine million birds.

As the creatures now face multiple challenges due to the nature and climate emergency, every count holds importance.

The survey will take place on January 26, 27 and 28, marking 45 years since the inception of the event in 1979.

A total of 185 million birds have been counted, and almost 11.5 million hours invested in observing and recording garden birds.

This year, residents of Oxfordshire, and indeed the whole of the UK, are encouraged to spend an hour witnessing and recording the birds in their garden, balcony, or local park and then report their findings to the RSPB.

Chief executive of RSPB, Beccy Speight, said: "By taking part in the birdwatch you are joining hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK, united in a love of nature, to play an important role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing.

"Big Garden Birdwatch demonstrates the power that people have when they come together for nature.

"Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 and together let’s take action to help birds and other wildlife thrive for generations to come."

Across the UK, the house sparrow celebrated its 20th year as the most spotted bird in gardens in 2023.

Despite nearly 1.5 million spotted during that year's event, the species has unfortunately witnessed significant declines with the number seen in gardens dropping by nearly 60 per cent since the birdwatch began.

Over four decades, the birdwatch has made visible the victors and victims in the garden bird world.

Long-tailed tits climbed five positions in the rankings last year due to rising numbers.

Disease has had grievous consequences for greenfinches and chaffinches, particularly trichomoniasis.

Consequently, the UK chaffinch population has decreased by 37 per cent over the last decade, while greenfinches have declined by 62 per cent in the same period.

The song thrush, its numbers down 80 per cent compared to the first Big Garden Birdwatch, was another species impacted.

It was a fixture in the top 10 in 1979 but by 2009, its numbers had dwindled significantly.

Ms Speight added: "The birds we see in our gardens, from our balconies, and in our parks, are a lively, colourful and endlessly fascinating part of all our lives.

"By taking part in the birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands like you, play an important role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing."

To participate sign up on the RSPB website.