Taking part

 

How do I get involved?

To get started, contact your Regional Organiser (RO). Your RO will talk to you about the survey, allocate you a 1-km BBS square and send you recording forms.

How do I take part?

The survey involves two early-morning spring visits to a local 1-km square, to count all the birds you see or hear while walking two 1-km lines across the square. Habitat is also recorded. Read the full instructions here.

Survey sites are pre-selected from a list of random 1-km squares, so it is likely that you will need to drive to your square.   

We are also interested in mammal records, and you can also visit your square later in the season to survey for butterflies.

How are my results used?

BBS bird population trends are published in the annual BBS report, sent to all volunteers. BBS data and trends are widely used in bird research and conservation.

What skills are required?

You don’t need to be an expert to take part, but you should be able to identify common birds by sight and sound. If required, a CD of bird songs and calls is available FREE to BBS volunteers - ask your RO. The BTO also runs a number of training courses.

How do I return my data?

All volunteers receive a set of recording forms. You can send back your completed forms to your RO, or submit your data on BBS-Online.

Other questions?

See our Frequently Asked Questions