RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
24th – 26th January 2025
Nationwide
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s biggest bird survey and regularly attracts nearly half a million participants.
The records from people counting birds in their gardens provides a vital snapshot of the UK’s birds each winter.
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 will take place over the weekend of the 24th and 26th January 2025.
To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch simply spend an hour watching the birds in your garden or local park over the weekend.
Count the highest number of bird species you see at the same time. You can use pen and paper or the RSPB’s online counting tool.
Don’t count the total over the hour as you may get the same birds visiting more than once.
Submit the results to The RSPB via their website.
Hogwarts in the Snow – The Making of Harry Potter
Until 19th January 2025
Warner Bros Studio Tour, London
Celebrate a very magical festive season with Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Winter has arrived at Hogwarts. Glittering Christmas trees line the Great Hall and a replica festive feast including flaming Christmas puddings is laid out on the long tables; while the top section of the hall is transformed for the Yule Ball with snow, icicles and an orchestra of magical instruments.
Around the rest of the studio, special-effect fires roar in the fireplaces, the Gryffindor common room is filled with Christmas treats and the detailed Hogwarts castle model is covered in a special blanket of snow. Get up close to props, costumes and models used in the Harry Potter films.
Take a look around the studio’s famous movie sets decorated as they were for the festive scenes. And find out how different types of artificial snow and ice were created and used in the films. You can also tuck into a 2-course meal in magical surroundings with the return of Dinner in the Great Hall this Christmas.
WINTER CAT WARNING
At this time of year please check under your car and wheel arches for cats trying to keep warm, before you set off on your journey!
During the cold winter months cats will often seek out any warm space they can find. One particularly irresistible lure seems to be the cosy confines of a warm car engine. Unfortunately, cats that seek shelter under the bonnets of cars can then be injured or killed when that car is started. Help keep your own and your neighbourhood cats safe this winter by tapping the bonnet of your car before you start the engine.
HEDGEHOG WARNING
At this time of year please check for these prickly creatures before lighting your bonfire.
Bonfires are perfect sleeping areas for hedgehogs and every year many get burnt alive. If you are having a bonfire, just make sure you check inside before lighting it. If you do find a hedgehog, move it to a safe place. This year second litters have been born later than usual. This means that there may still be young and underweight hedgehogs around. Remember if they are under 600gr they will not survive hibernation and need to be taken to a local animal rescue centre.
