By Carys Matthews

Published: Tuesday, 04 January 2022 at 12:00 am

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The annual Big Garden Birdwatch returns on 28th–30th January 2022 for the UK’s largest garden-based citizen science project. Find out how to take part and the best birds to spot in your garden this winter with our handy birdwatch guide.

What is the Big Garden Birdwatch?

2022 marks the 43rd RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which sees keen birdwatchers across the UK join the largest garden wildlife citizen science project by spending one hour tracking the birds they see in their gardens. Last year was the biggest Birdwatch ever, with over one million people taking part and counting more than 17 million birds.

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Why take part?

Not only is it a great way to enjoy a spot of winter twitching, but it is also a vital opportunity for the RSPB to keep tabs on the population of British birds.

In the past 50 years Great Britain has lost more than 38 million birds. The RSPB continue to rely on the help of people across the country to help record the birds they see in order to provide a vital snapshot of which species are thriving, which are struggling, and perhaps provide clues as to why, and how they can be protected.

It also supplies conservationists with data tracing those birds that are doing well.

More bird content:

• New report reveals more than 1 in 4 UK bird species are under serious threat 
• ‘Common or garden’ birds not so common anymore, finds RSPB
• Eight golden eagle chicks successfully relocated to southern Scotland

How to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch

This year’s event takes place on 28th — 30th January 2022. The public is asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or local green space, then send their results to the RSPB.

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2022, simply watch the birds in your garden, from your balcony, or local park for one hour at some point over the three days the Birdwatch is taking place. Only count the birds that land, not the ones flying by.

Watch this video from the RSPB for more details about how to participate in the Big Garden Birdwatch.