THE world's largest garden wildlife survey, RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch takes place between Friday, January 23 and Sunday, January 25.

Big Garden Birdwatch shows the power of people coming together to take action for nature. Over 600,000 people took part last year and over nine million birds were counted, and over 277,000 have signed up so far for the 2026 survey.

To take part, spend one hour counting the birds you see in one location - a garden, a balcony, or in the local park, then submit your findings to the RSPB.

Sadly, according to the RSPB, 38 million birds have been lost from UK skies in the last 60 years. And since the survey began in 1979, Song Thrush counts are down 83 per cent.

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

A free guide and Identification chart can be downloaded from the RSPB Web site. Find out more at rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch .