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It’s time to get your binoculars out – the Big Garden Birdwatch is back! You’re invited to help record how UK birds are faring, as part of the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.
The annual event, from the RSPB, provides an important snapshot of garden birds in the UK. It’s a way to take positive action for birds and nature, with both facing challenges from the nature and climate emergency. The Big Garden Birdwatch takes place over one weekend in January, when people across the UK will observe and count garden birds.
Join the flock for the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch
Last year, almost 600,000 people took part, counting over nine million birds of more than 80 species. Hundreds of thousands of people are set to take part this year too. Will you be one of them?
“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK, are helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Birds and wildlife are struggling right now. Every observation counts, even if you see nothing at all,” says Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive. “Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch.”
Between 23rd and 25th January, the RSPB is asking you to spend an hour, at any point over the three days, observing and counting birds. You can count them from your garden, a balcony or your local park, before sending results to the charity.
Snapshots from surveys
Over more than four decades, the Birdwatch has revealed fascinating insights about birds in the UK. In 2025, the house sparrow came in number one for the 22nd year in a row, although its numbers have dropped 64% since the first BGBW in 1979. Last year, starlings also lost their spot in the top three garden birds in the UK. Meanwhile, woodpigeons had the highest average counts ever recorded in the Birdwatch.
“Even on the greyest winter day, garden birds bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives. Take a moment to pause, to listen, to notice,” adds Beccy. “We need nature, and nature needs us. By joining the Big Garden Birdwatch you’re doing something positive for birds and nature.”
Give a hoot? Register now!
Register for the Big Garden Birdwatch for your free guide, with top tips for taking part, a bird identification chart, and advice on attracting wildlife to your garden. Visit the website for a printed pack, or text BIRD to 82727 for a free digital guide.
Header photo by Gary Lee on Unsplash
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