Suffolk’s garden birds are set to benefit from the culinary skills of families visiting RSPB Minsmere nature reserve thanks to a special Birdfood Masterchef event.

Birdfood Masterchef, on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 January 2011, is a fun family event, where children will make bird feeders and fat cakes to take home, and have the chance to learn more about their garden birds.

The event is timed to link with the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch the following weekend, when thousands of garden bird enthusiasts will spend one hour counting their garden birds. Further details of this survey can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch, and survey forms are available at Minsmere.

RSPB spokeswoman, Louise Gregory, said, “Kids love to get messy, but the mums and dads get stuck in too, so this is a great way to prepare for Big Garden Birdwatch. With so many tits and finches on our feeders there’s also plenty of opportunities to practice your bird identification skills.”

Birdfood Masterchef runs from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm each day. Costs are £3 per child, or £1.50 for RSPB Wildlife Explorers.

Normal entry fees apply for adults. Places are limited so advance booking is recommended by calling 01728 648281.