Since 1995, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has been running Garden BirdWatch (GBW), one of the longest-running continuous surveys monitoring garden birds in the world. Participants don’t just record birds but also other wildlife, helping to track how populations are changing and how to support them.
Taking part is easy and free—simply record what species visit your garden each week and submit the data. Consistency is key, so whether you dedicate a set time or make note of sightings throughout the day, all observations help build a clearer picture of garden wildlife trends.
Thetford’s Garden BirdWatchers have revealed that the town’s most recorded bird is the Woodpigeon, followed by the Blackbird, Collared Dove, Robin, and House Sparrow. Alongside birds, participants also monitor mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, leading to important discoveries about vulnerable species like Hedgehogs.
The advantage of a weekly survey is that Garden BirdWatchers provide a vast amount of data, which helps researchers track long-term changes in species populations. Over the years, GBW data has been instrumental in understanding the increasing numbers of Blackcaps overwintering in the UK and monitoring the spread of the Usutu virus, which affects Blackbirds.
As GBW marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, BTO will be hosting events and talks across the UK, including at its headquarters in Thetford. If you’re attending one of these events, stop by to share your garden wildlife stories.
If you’d like to take part in Garden BirdWatch, find out more about the survey, or sign up for the weekly newsletter, visit www.bto.org/gbw.
