The Big Garden Birdwatch is back for 2025 — and the big British bird spotting event is just around the corner.
It's that time of year again when the RSPB ask people around the UK to take part in their annual Big Garden Birdwatch 2025, so grab your binoculars and help document the nature on your doorstep.
Running from 24–26th January 2025, the Big Garden Birdwatch is perfect for the whole family or a solo twitcher to enjoy, whether you're a novice birdwatcher or a seasoned pro. So far, more than 330,000 keen birdwatchers have signed up to participate in 2025, according to the RSPB website.
"Across the UK, over 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% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979," says the team online.
The RSPB team went on to say how the Big Garden Birdwatch plays a vital role in monitoring garden birds and gaining insight into how different species are faring.
They continued: "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."
The Song Thrush, for example, has seen a rapid decline in its population (85%) since the survey began in 1979.
"Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring," the team continued.
So how can you get involved? Here's everything you need to know about the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025, so you can sign up and help protect British wildlife.
How to get involved in Big Garden Birdwatch 2025
It's really simple to get involved with the Big Garden Birdwatch. Once you sign up on the RSPB website, they'll send you a free digital or printed Birdwatch guide to brush up on your bird knowledge and provide a structure for when you take part in the birdwatch, as well as an exclusive RSPB shop discount. Just follow these steps:
- Sign up on the RSPB website to receive your free birdwatching pack and 20% off supplies.
- Choose any hour between the 24th and 26th of January to head outside and see what you can spot on your patch — whether you're an early bird or a night owl; you can still take part. You don't have to have a garden to take part either. You can observe the birds from a balcony or local park.
- Count the birds you see in your garden or from your balcony. Ignore any birds that are still in flight.
- You can submit your results online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or alternatively post your results instead.
"Every count is important so, if you don't see anything, please still submit your result. Finding out which birds don’t visit your area is as important as understanding those which do!" says the RSPB team.
How does the Big Garden Birdwatch help?
With half a million people taking part every year and over 40 years' worth of surveys, the RSPB is able to gather essential data on bird and wildlife trends in the UK. The results help inform environmental changes if needed, as well as celebrate success stories.
In the UK, we've sadly lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years, with many back garden favourites amongst them. The Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and great for everyone to help our feathered friends in need.
Why not place some bird food in your garden and see which species you can spot...
15 bird feeders to buy right now
Perfect for garden and non-garden owners alike, this small feeder can perch up on a window pane, and is ideal for small birds as well as some bigger ones. An easy way to watch the birds, this feeder is an attractive - and rewarding - piece for the home.
This feeder is great for multiple birds at once, and is lightweight enough to be able to hang off of small branches. Its ergonomic design is something the birds would definitely appreciate, with a domed roof providing protection from the elements, and a smaller base for the food to keep it clean.
The Natural Wood Company Oak 'Applecore' Bird Feeder
This oak bird feeder from The Natural Wood Company is a lovely example of both inconspicuous and beautiful. The varnished oak with hanging chain will fit perfectly into both a vibrant and minimalist garden alike.
For a more minimalist garden, try this cast iron wall mounted bird feeder. Its decorative fixing is stylish yet sparing, and will work especially well with a fountain or small pond nearby. The base grants a lot of room for feeding birds, and allows them a bit of time to socialise, too!
Combat minimalism with this brass-like, patterned feeder, granting a sense of luxury to the garden space, whilst still protecting the bird food from unwanted visitors. Its contemporary style will fit well into any modern garden.
This set of bird feeders allows each bird its personal space. Its simple dome and ball shapes suit almost any garden, and works best sheltered under hanging trees.
Want a bird feeder, but tired of the squirrels getting there first? This heavy duty, squirrel proof feeder is a perfect solution, whilst still upholding a sense of style. Its inconspicuous design works well in any garden. You don't have to worry about pesky squirrels anymore with this vendor.
Having a window feeder such as this is great for keeping the birds happy, since it is open and anti-claustrophobic. It is also large enough for multiple birds to dine together, and comes with practical suction pads to easily stick onto windows and smooth surfaces.
Garden Selections Vintage Cast Iron Heart Shaped Bird Seed Feeder
This vintage bird feeder is a great housewarming gift. Its deep bowl allows for an array of different snacks and treats for the local birds.
This raindrop feeder is a pretty edition to any outdoor space. Fitted with both suction pads and a hanging string, this feeder is handsome and versatile.
Currently reduced to clear, this feeder from John Lewis is great for an array of positions, and types of food. Hang it on a tree, a balcony or a wall. Attach fruits for the birds with its handy spike.
These feeders at Crocus are designed to fit fat or suet balls - high energy food for little birds. You can arrange multiple feeders in and around the same tree, as shown here, to create a little bird gathering.
Thompson Morgan Kingfisher Hanging Mealworm Bird Feeder With Plastic Canopy
You'll have regular customers in no time with this generous one-stop-shop, with the dome-shaped roof of this feeder perfect for protecting the birds, and a large base to fit a good amount of food.
Shaped in the style of a park bench, this piece will truly complement any garden, and increase both your own wellness and the wellbeing of local wildlife.
Garden Locker Twin Copper Bronze Bird Feeder for Garden Birds - Outdoor Metal 2 in 1 Bird Feeder Holds Wild Bird Seed Mix & Peanuts
This tall feeder fits two types of bird feed, to satisfy a variety of different feathered friends. Hang this on a tree in the garden or nearby perch, and you'll have them flocking to you in no time.
