Big Garden Birdwatch
However you Big Garden Birdwatch, together let’s make it count. Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 and help look out for garden birds. Count the birds and help wildlife thrive. Together, we’re a force for nature.
Between 23-25 January, the UK's largest and longest-running garden wildlife survey is back. RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping the RSPB understand how UK birds are doing. By taking part in Big Garden Birdwatch you, and hundreds of thousands of other like-minded nature lovers, will be taking action to protect our birds for generations to come.
There are 2 ways to get involved:
- Invite your units to participate at home with their families as part of Big Garden Birdwatch over the weekend of 23-25 January. An adult individual in participating families can sign up for Big Garden Birdwatch at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch to get a free guide and bird ID chart.
- Take part as a unit between 6 January and 13 February - remember it needs to be light when you are meeting! A leader can sign up for Big Schools’ Birdwatch www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch and download the relevant resources.
Taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch counts towards the brand new Brilliant Birds badge, and the Brownies Birdwatching interest badge.
At its heart, Big Garden Birdwatch is an opportunity for people to spend an hour watching, enjoying and connecting with the wildlife on their doorstep. From chirpy House Sparrows to acrobatic Blue Tits, the entertaining antics of our garden birds can brighten even the dullest day and bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives.
— Beccy Speight, RSPB CEO
