The BTO Birds in Greenspaces project aims to find out just how important greenspaces are for UK birds, and provide guidance on effective greenspace management for birds and people – and we want your help!
Time, skill and support
The project is set to launch in 2026.
A UK-wide survey for new and experienced birdwatchers alike!
Videos and training courses are available to help you develop your bird ID skills.
Project team
Leads
Contact
- greenspaces@bto.org
About Birds in Greenspaces
Birds in Greenspaces is a new, UK-wide citizen science survey of birds that use our greenspaces.
We want local groups and individuals to take part, so we can understand how people and birds interact with greenspaces. With the right evidence, we can work out how best to integrate management to benefit both birds and people in our urban areas.
The project will run in 2026, and is open to people of all ages and experience levels, across the UK. Volunteer registration opens later this year, but groups and organisations can register their interest now.
This project has been funded by a gift in Will from Denis Summers-Smith, for which we are extremely grateful.
Birds in Greenspaces pilot 2025 feedback
Thanks to everyone who contributed to our pilot, and we hope you enjoyed taking part.
The pilot doesn't quite stop here - your feedback is key, and we kindly ask you to complete our feedback form so we can understand how to make the main project next year the best it can be.
The form is completely anonymous and will only take a few minutes, but will provide us with valuable input.
What are greenspaces?
Greenspaces are public-access areas of vegetation found in built-up areas. They can be recreational spaces like parks and playing fields, but also include places such as cemeteries, village greens, and university campuses. As with greenspace types, greenspace management varies greatly, and important factor in the way birds and people interact with these spaces.
Greenspaces and birds
Greenspaces are important for birds because they provide shelter, food, and other resources that can’t be found in the built-up areas around them. But these spaces are understudied and aren't always managed in ways that fulfil the needs of birds or other wildlife.
Greenspaces and people
For many people, greenspaces provide their only access to nature, and visiting these spaces can provide a number of health benefits. Greenspaces also hold importance to different people for a range of cultural, social, and leisure reasons, and it is important that these spaces are managed in a way that reflects this.
Taking Part
Anyone can take part in Birds in Greenspaces! We will be offering recording options that are accessible to everyone, with thousands of survey sites in villages, towns, and cities across the UK.
We want this project to engage all groups and organisations, not just those with a background in natural history.
The project will begin in April 2026, but in the meantime we will be sharing plenty of ways to get involved.
If you would like to be kept informed of project progress and what's coming up, you can register for our newsletter in a few short steps using the button below!