England for the birds

The world's biggest bird survey has attracted a record number of participants, according to new figures.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said 470,000 people - including 86,000 children - watched their gardens and local parks during the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch on January 28-29. The previous record was held by the 2004 survey with 419,000 people.

I confess that when I read that, I thought (hand on heart, mind's eye a-glisten, mind's voice a-croakin')

Though worlds may change and go awry
While there is still one voice to cry
There'll always be an England