Get ready for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Get ready for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

The Big Garden Birdwatch will take place from Friday 23^rd to Sunday 25^th January 2026 when people of all ages can spend an hour during the weekend to watch and count birds in their garden or outdoor space.

Organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), it is the largest garden wildlife survey in the UK and it takes place every year. It helps to track bird populations, identify which birds are increasing or declining, and guides protection activities.

Those taking part send in their count results to help the RSPB see the bigger picture. Find out more about the Big Garden Birdwatch

Making sure that your garden is a safe and friendly place for wild birds will really help attract a wide variety of birds ahead of the survey weekend. Here’s a few tips to making sure your’re Big Garden Birdwatch-ready.

1 – Put out food on a regular basis. Consistency is key and feeds should include:

Sunflower hearts

Peanuts,

Fat balls, suet pellets and cakes

Seed mixes

Don’t forget fresh water daily – in a drinker or bird bath.

2 – Keep feeders and tables clean

Wash them on a weekly basis to keep your birds healthy and prevent disease.

3 – Create safe viewing areas

Counting is much easier when you can see the birds clearly. Place feeders in sight and away from fences and bushes where cats can hide.

4 – Don’t over-tidy the garden

Birds like seed heads left on plants, plenty of shrubs and hedges and leaf piles which act as shelter for insects.

5 – Pop up a nest box in advance

This will provide a handy roosting spot and shelter for birds during the cold winter weather.

6 - Put up a feeding station with a range of feeders

This will help to attract different bird species.

7 - Don't forget ground-feeding birds

Some birds prefer to feed from the ground, so make sure you make food accessible to them by using ground feeders and bird tables.