RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 returns as Northern Ireland urged to make every bird count

Love Ballymena
4 minutes ago
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Laura Harbard taking part in RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch from the comfort of indoors

Laura Harbard taking part from the comfort of indoors

Eleanor Bentall (RSPB Images)

Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK are being encouraged to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, as the world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns at a critical time for nature.

Taking place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January 2026, the annual Birdwatch invites people to spend just one hour observing and counting the birds they see in their garden, local green space, park or even from a balcony or window box.

Participants then submit their results to the RSPB, helping to build a vital snapshot of how the nation’s garden birds are faring.

In 2025, almost 600,000 people took part across the UK, counting more than 9 million birds of over 80 species — an extraordinary collective effort that highlights the power of citizen science.

Since the Birdwatch began in 1979, more than 200 million birds have been recorded during over 12.6 million hours of observation.

With even familiar species now facing mounting pressures from habitat loss, climate change and wider environmental challenges, organisers say that every single count matters.

House sparrow, Passer domesticus, female perched on feeder in garden.

Ray Kennedy (RSPB Images)

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said:

“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.

“Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! A park, balcony, allotment or window box will do. Simply spend an hour and count the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.”

Familiar Birds, Growing Challenges

Over its four decades, the Big Garden Birdwatch has revealed both winners and losers in the garden bird world. Results from 2025 showed that the House Sparrow remained the UK’s most commonly spotted garden bird for the 22nd consecutive year, but the figures also painted a worrying picture.

House Sparrow numbers were down 11% compared with 2024, with average counts at their lowest level since 1998 and 64% lower than when the survey first began in 1979. Starlings, once a familiar sight in gardens, dropped out of the UK’s top three altogether, recording their lowest average count ever.

Despite these challenges, organisers say the Birdwatch remains a hopeful and accessible way for people to reconnect with nature and make a meaningful contribution.

Beccy Speight added:

“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. We need nature, and nature needs us. By joining the Big Garden Birdwatch you’re doing something positive for birds and nature. Because when we act for nature together, we can do so much more.”

How to Take Part

Robin Erithacus rubecula, on magnolia tree.

Andy Hay (RSPB Images)

Taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch is simple and free. Participants are asked to choose any one hour over the three days and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time, counting only birds that land — not those flying overhead.

Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 opened on 10 December 2025.

To receive a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, including a bird identification chart, top tips and advice on attracting wildlife, people can text BIRD to 82727.

A free digital guide is also available via the RSPB website, helping reduce costs and allowing more funding to be directed towards conservation.

Find out more by tapping button below.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Inspiring the Next Generation

Alongside the main event, the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch will take place from 6 January to 13 February 2026, giving pupils the chance to explore wildlife in their school grounds. Now in its third decade, the initiative continues to connect children and teachers with nature, encouraging curiosity, learning and environmental awareness from an early age.

Registration for Big Schools’ Birdwatch is now live. Further information can be found by tapping the button below.

RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch