MORE than 15,000 people across Lancashire turned their gaze to the skies to take part in this year’s Big Birdwatch.

The most common bird recorded in the county’s gardens for the RSPB’s annual count was the house sparrow, with on average more than four being seen in each garden during an hour’s watch over a weekend in January.

MORE TOP STORIES:

But it was the blackbird that reigned supreme in school gardens, where pupils recorded more than seven flocking in during their observation hours. More than 2,000 pupils across the county took part.

House sparrow and starling are on the red list meaning that they are of “highest conservation priority – species needing urgent action”.

RSPB Conservation Scientist, Dr Daniel Hayhow, said: “Many garden birds are in desperate need of our help. During winter, birds need extra food and water, a safe place to shelter and make their home. Gardens providing these things are an invaluable resource for birds and are likely to have a significant effect on their numbers, perhaps even playing a pivotal role in reversing some declines.

“We hope through this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch challenge, of seeing things through the eyes of birds, really helped people to understand exactly how they use your garden, and will allow them to improve the ways to give nature a home all year round.”

Despite the Big Garden Birdwatch results also showing a drop in finch numbers this year, scientists believe there is no need to panic just yet.

The parallel event, Big Schools’ Birdwatch, continued the record-breaking theme with more schools and children taking part than ever before.

Big Garden Birdwatch and Big Schools’ Birdwatch are a part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife.

The charity is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their own gardens and outside spaces.

To find out how you can help visit www.rspb.org.uk/homes.