RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 in Manchester

This is a task you can choose to do where you like and at any time during the weekend. Remember to walk, run or cycle to your chosen spot.

What is the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch? This is a task you can do anywhere and anytime during the day between 23rd and 25th of January. You can need to do it on your own, as a family, or team up with a GoodGym buddy (NB. you should only submit one set of results if you are counting in a location as a group).

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. We've lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. Every bird you do (or don't) see helps to give a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring. Over half a million people took part in the birdwatch last time.

How to take part:

• Register for the Birdwatch on the RSPB Website and get your free digital or paper guide to help you identify the birds.
• Decide on your patch - this could be in a garden or a park.
• Wrap up warm - it could get chilly out there.
• Spend one hour watching the birds in your patch, between 23 and 25 January, and only record birds that land, not those flying over.
• Take a selfie while you are watching the birds, or of the park/garden you're in, and share it in the Manchester GoodGym WhatsApp group or send via email. Any pics or stories can be added to the report for the website.
• Submit your results of what you saw online on the RSPB website. Whatever you saw - even if nothing at all - please report. The more results submitted, the better the picture will be of how garden birds are faring.