THE world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns this month, with hundreds of thousands of people watching and counting the UK’s garden birds over the last weekend in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.
Almost 600,000 people took part in across the UK in 2025, counting more than 9 million birds of over 80 species. In Wiltshire just over 8,800 residents joined in the count and the RSPB hopes even more residents will sign up for 2026.
The survey provides a valuable snapshot of how our most common garden birds are faring and taking part is one positive way to take action for birds and nature.
This year’s event takes place on 23rd, 24th and 2th January. People in Wiltshire are asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden or local park, or from their balcony, then send their results to the RSPB.
In Wiltshire the top three birds recorded last year were: House Sparrow, Blue Tit, and Woodpigeon.
Citizen science
The Birdwatch, which started in 1979, has become the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. Over that time, more than 200 million birds have been counted and over 12.6 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds.
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.”
Winners and losers
Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. 2025 UK-wide results revealed that House Sparrow was still ranked number one for the 22nd year in a row. However, numbers were down 11% compared to 2024. Average House Sparrow counts were the lowest since 1998 and down 64% compared to the first BGBW in 1979.
Beccy 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.”
Just one hour
To take part in Wiltshire’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, watch the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Tell us the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.
To register and receive your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop offer, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727, or you can choose a free digital guide (which helps the RSPB spend more on nature by reducing costs) by visiting: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
Pictured: Wiltshire’s top three birds from 2025: top, House Sparrow (by Ray Kennedy); middle, Blue Tit (by Louise Greenhorn); bottom, Woodpigeon (by Kevin Sawford)
