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  • Supporting Garden Birds: Taking Part in the Big Garden Birdwatch

Supporting Garden Birds: Taking Part in the Big Garden Birdwatch

Heather Isbister
13 January 2026

Winter can be a challenging time for our crucial garden birds. Shorter days, colder temperatures and fewer natural food sources mean that many species rely heavily on the shelter and support offered by gardens and outdoor spaces.

Each year, the RSPB runs the Big Garden Birdwatch, a simple, nationwide survey that helps track how garden birds are faring. By spending just one hour observing the birds that visit your garden, balcony or local green space, you can contribute valuable information that supports long-term conservation efforts. I've always found it a wonderful immersive experience that I share with my 96-year-old mother as we pick out bird varieties and other nature in our front garden. We both hope that Timmy, the next-door-neighbours cat isn't on the prowl at the time!

What Is the Big Garden Birdwatch?

The Big Garden Birdwatch is one of the world’s largest wildlife surveys. Taking place over a single weekend each winter, it invites people across the UK to record the birds they see in their outdoor spaces over the course of one hour.

The data collected helps build a picture of bird populations over time, highlighting which species are thriving and which may need extra support. No specialist knowledge is required, it’s simply about noticing what’s already around you.

Why Winter Support Matters

During winter, natural food sources such as insects, seeds and berries are much harder to come by. Gardens can become vital refuges, offering nourishment, clean water and safe places to rest.

Small, consistent actions, like topping up feeders or keeping water fresh, can make a meaningful difference, particularly during cold spells.

Providing Food: Bird Feeders

Bird feeders offer a reliable source of energy when birds need it most. Different feeder styles attract different species, such as our Goldfinch Feeder, so a mix can encourage greater variety in your garden.

When positioning feeders, choose a quiet spot with good visibility, ideally near shrubs or hedges where birds can retreat if startled. Regular cleaning is also important to help keep visiting birds healthy.

A selection of thoughtfully designed bird feeders can be found in our Bird Feeders collection.

Fresh Water: Bird Baths

Clean water is just as important as food, for drinking and for keeping feathers in good condition. In winter, water sources can freeze overnight, so checking bird baths regularly is especially helpful.

Place bird baths on level ground or a stable surface, away from dense cover where predators may hide. Refreshing the water daily helps ensure it stays clean and accessible.

Explore our Bird Baths collection for designs suited to year-round use.

Shelter and Nesting: Bird Boxes and Houses

Bird boxes provide essential shelter from wind, rain and cold, and later in the year can offer nesting spaces for spring. Different species favour different box styles, so it’s worth considering entrance size and placement.

Boxes should be positioned away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight, ideally a few metres above ground. Winter is a good time to install them, giving birds a chance to find and use them before nesting season begins.

Our Nesting Boxes collection includes options designed to support a range of garden birds.

Why Garden Birds Matter

Garden birds play an important role in keeping outdoor spaces balanced and healthy. Many help control insects and pests, while their presence often signals a thriving, wildlife-friendly garden.

Beyond the practical benefits, birds also bring movement, sound and seasonality to a garden, something many gardeners value as much as the plants themselves.

How to Take Part in the Big Garden Bird Watch

Signing up is easy, head to the RSBP website to find the relevant information, keep an eye on your local birds for an hour, and then let RSPB know what you spot!

Explore Bird-Friendly Garden Pieces

If you’re looking to make small, thoughtful additions to your garden, you can explore our curated selection of bird feeders, baths, nesting boxes and other pieces for your garden friends, chosen to support garden wildlife while sitting beautifully in outdoor spaces.

 

 

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