Here’s how to join the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Why not join the Big Garden Birdwatch, the largest garden wildlife survey in the world later this month.

Thousands of nature lovers will be counting birds from their gardens, balconies, parks and local green spaces over one weekend.

It’s fun, free and will only take an hour, whenever it suits you, between Friday, January 24 – Sunday 26.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring.

All you have to do is spend an hour watching the birds in your patch, between 24 and 26, and record the birds that land. Then tell the RSPB what you saw, even if that’s nothing at all. You can submit your results online or by post.

Here’s a few garden birds snapped by our @newburytoday photographer Phil Cannings.

Every Birdwatch counts. Across the UK, more than 600,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2024, counting a whopping 9.7 million birds.

House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 60 per cent compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. In fact, we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years.

With birds facing so many challenges, it’s more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give the RSPB a valuable insight into how garden birds are doing.

Go to https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch to register.

When you register to take part you will receive a free ID guide ready to download and you can stock up on supplies, with 20 per cent off and free delivery on food and feeders at the RSPB shop.

Plus the RSPB site has handy hints on getting your green space ready to go. From spotting rare visitors to keeping feeders clean, the Big Garden Birdwatch web hub has a collection of how-to-guides so you can make the most of your Birdwatch.