Every January, the RSPB invites us all to slow down, look a little closer and notice the wildlife right outside our doors. The Big Garden Birdwatch returns on 23-25 January 2026, offering schools, nurseries and families a wonderfully simple way to help children connect with nature.

Taking part is completely free and straightforward. All it involves is spending one quiet hour watching the birds that visit your garden, playground, balcony or outdoor area. Once you sign up on the RSPB website, you’ll receive a helpful pack of resources designed to make bird spotting easy and enjoyable for children of all ages.

For many settings, it becomes a calm pause in a busy term. For families, it’s a cosy, screen-free activity that brings everyone together.

@teameyfs

Why Children Love Birdwatching

Children are natural observers. They notice movement, sound and pattern long before we do. The Big Garden Birdwatch gives them permission to stop and really look, whether it’s a robin hopping across the grass or a blur of wings in the hedge.

Along the way, children practise early science skills like counting, comparing and describing. They build confidence as they share what they’ve seen and heard. Best of all, they begin to feel like caretakers of the natural world around them.

For settings that already value outdoor learning, the Birdwatch fits in effortlessly. For those just starting out, it’s a gentle and accessible place to begin.

Simple Tips for a Calm and Happy Birdwatch

A few thoughtful touches can turn your Birdwatch hour into a lovely shared experience.

Choose a comfortable viewing spot
Set up somewhere children can sit happily for a while. This might be a bench, a log circle, ground mats or even indoors by a large window.

Begin with listening
Invite children to close their eyes for a moment and tune in. Birdsong, wing flutters and rustling leaves often come before the birds themselves.

Put out a few bird treats
Seeds/ fat balls can encourage more visitors. It’s a great way to talk about how we care for wildlife, especially in winter.

Look for movement, not just colour
Birds can be quick and shy. Encourage children to watch for hops, shadows and tiny movements in bushes and trees.

Keep recording easy
Tally marks, picture cards or simple counters work well for younger children. Older children may enjoy sketching what they see.

Easy Resources to Support the Session

You don’t need much to take part, which is part of the charm. A few simple items can make the experience more comfortable and engaging.

Cardboard tube binoculars made by the children
Clipboards and chunky pencils for chilly hands
Bird identification cards/posters or the RSPB printable guide
Outdoor blankets or mats for cosy sitting
A sand timer or simple timer to guide the hour

If you already use Cosy resources, items like tuff trays, log seats, natural baskets and bug-spotting tools make thoughtful additions and help keep everything organised.

Making the Experience Last

Once the hour is over, gather together to reflect. Children might draw their favourite bird, talk about the fastest flyer or share a moment that made them laugh. Displays created from sketches, tallies or photographs can brighten your space and keep the conversation going long after the birds have flown.

Most importantly, the Big Garden Birdwatch helps children understand that their observations matter. Their notes join thousands of others across the UK, helping to build a clearer picture of how our birdlife is doing year by year.

If you’d like to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, you can sign up via the RSPB website and receive your free resources to get started.