Launched this month by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Birds in Greenspaces is a new, UK-wide citizen science survey of birds that use public-access greenspaces such as parks, churchyards, school grounds, and playing fields.
For many wild birds, our public outdoor places can provide an essential oasis, offering vital food and shelter in an otherwise built-up environment. For people, they are important hubs for socialising, exercise, dog-walking and cultural activities. They also often provide the only accessible place for residents of urban and sub-urban areas to connect with the natural world, something which has been proven to be beneficial for mental health and overall wellbeing.
Public access greenspaces in cities, towns and villages across the UK cover a wide range of habitats, providing a haven for wildlife on our doorstep. The way in which these landscapes are managed also varies, determining which birds, and how many of them, make use of the sites. If we can identify the importance of different greenspaces for birds, and people, we can use the findings to inform management guidance, so that decisions may be made that benefit both.
The project will run during the bird breeding season, from 1 April to 30 June 2026, when many familiar species will be in full song, actively searching for mates, building nests, and raising chicks.
Birds In Greenspaces is open to people of all ages and experience levels, not just experienced birdwatchers, or those with a background in natural history. BTO invites as many people as possible to get involved, either on their own or in organised groups, to take part in this unique, innovative, and enjoyable citizen science project.
Participants can add their sightings online or via the brand new, easy to use, app which will be available for download for free (available for Android and Apple devices) from the link on the Birds in Greenspaces webpage at: www.bto.org/greenspaces
If you would like to help BTO discover just how the birds that are living in your great greenspaces are doing, please visit the webpage find out how you can get involved.
Daniel Johnson, Birds in Greenspaces Engagement Officer says, “We are encouraging everyone who can, to visit their local greenspace to learn about, and connect with the wildlife there. Local people know these places better than anyone, and they can help us build an accurate picture of the birds that share these understudied public places with us.”