TO HELP prepare for the Big Garden Birdwatch, there are plenty of events taking place across the RSPB’s nature reserves in Wales – from discovering how to make some brilliant bird feeders to identifying the creatures you share your home with.

Knowing what's going on in gardens across the UK is very important and helps the RSPB see what's doing well and what really needs help, so to get everyone ready for the big weekend, visit RSPB Lake Vyrnwy on Sunday, January 20, from 11am to 2pm to swot up on your bird ID skills.

You’ll head down to the busiest bird hide where staff and volunteers will help you identify all our little feathered friends on the feeders ahead of the big day.

You’ll also be making feeders and bird food that you can take home with you and pop in the garden ready for the big count.

The event costs £4 for RSPB members, £5 for non-members and £2 per accompanying adult. For further information call 01691 870278. rspb.org.uk/lakevyrnwy

At RSPB Ynys-hir, near Machynlleth on Sunday, January 20 from 11am-3pm you can make your own bird cake. Staff and volunteers will also help visitors identify the birds on the feeders outside the Visitor Centre. The event costs £2 each. For further information call 01654 700222.

rspb.org.uk/ynys-hir

Pictured: A robin is a familiar garden visitor.