- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- ActivitiesChildrenEducation
- Where:
- U.K.
- Date change rule:
- RSPB decides annually, typically early January to mid-February
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐦
The Big Schools’ Birdwatch encourages children across the U.K. to connect with nature every January and February. Organized by the RSPB, this initiative invites classes to spend an hour observing and recording local birds. Join in to foster a love for wildlife, support crucial research, and get kids outdoors.
Want to sponsor Big Schools Birdwatch? Learn how
Expected Big Schools Birdwatch Deals
While specific retail promotions are less common for the Big Schools’ Birdwatch, families and educators can find valuable resources. Look for discounts on birdwatching guides, binoculars, and nature craft supplies from retailers like Waterstones and Amazon UK. Educational suppliers such as TTS Group and Hope Education often feature special bundles for outdoor learning and science projects. The RSPB Shop itself offers a wide range of bird feeders, nest boxes, and educational kits, with proceeds directly supporting conservation efforts. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January approaches.
Platform Guide for Big Schools Birdwatch
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BigSchoolsBirdwatch. Share photos of children identifying birds or their nature journals.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #BigSchoolsBirdwatch. Share findings, classroom activities, and tips for engaging young birders.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BigSchoolsBirdwatch. Post about your school’s participation and encourage community involvement.
Big Schools Birdwatch Hero
John James Audubon
History of Big Schools Birdwatch
Since 1979, children across the U.K. have participated in Big Schools’ Birdwatch — a nationwide effort to identify and count local birds, conducted simultaneously with the Big Garden Birdwatch. The event grew out of a research project when scientists wanted to use the help of citizens to identify common garden birds. Sponsored by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, this annual event brings together children and educators across the U.K. in a celebration of local wildlife and nature. Pupils fill bird feeders to attract birds to their classroom and monitor the number and species of birds that show up in a given hour. In 2019, around 60,000 children and educators took part in the event, counting over 100,000 birds.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was founded by Emily Williamson in 1889. Horrified by the trade of bird feathers for women’s hats, Williamson and her associates advocated for the protection of birds and the eradication of feathers as decoration. The Society gained support from influential people including the country’s top ornithologist at the time. In 1921, with the society’s advocacy, the British Parliament passed the ‘Importation of Plumage Prohibition Act,’ criminalizing the importation of feathers.
Today, the society continues to promote responsible land management and conservation, species recovery, and educational initiatives that make a real impact in the conservation and restoration of British habitats and species.
In addition to engaging kids in birdwatching, the project helps the RSPB understand how bird numbers change each year, helping them monitor the condition of various species and plan future conservation efforts.
Big Schools Birdwatch timeline
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds starts as a small organization founded by Emily Williamson to advocate for reducing the use of plumage in clothing and hats.
The bill is introduced, and would eventually pass in 1921.
The RSPB first asks the public to help them count birds, involving everyday citizens in the science of conservation.
The Big Garden Birdwatch becomes the largest bird survey ever undertaken, with 29,000 participants.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Big Schools Birdwatch
Local businesses can support the Big Schools’ Birdwatch by sponsoring educational materials for nearby schools or hosting bird-themed events. Bookstores can create displays of children’s nature books and bird guides, offering discounts to participating families. Garden centers can provide workshops on attracting birds to schoolyards or donate bird feeders and seed. Community centers can organize public birdwatching sessions, leveraging the excitement to engage more children and families with local wildlife.
Big Schools Birdwatch FAQs
When is Big Schools Birdwatch?
In 2027, the Big Schools’ Birdwatch will take place from Tuesday, January 5, to Friday, February 12. This annual event provides a consistent opportunity for children to engage with nature early in the year.
How many schools participate in Big Schools Birdwatch?
The Big Schools’ Birdwatch consistently sees high engagement, with tens of thousands of students and educators contributing. Participation numbers are expected to remain robust in 2027, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest school bird survey.
What is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)?
As a leading U.K. conservation organization, the RSPB works to save species, protect habitats, and inspire people to love and protect nature. Their work in 2027 will continue to focus on critical conservation challenges and public engagement.
Why is birdwatching important for children?
Engaging in birdwatching helps children connect with their local environment, enhancing their understanding of biodiversity and ecological systems. It’s a hands-on way for young learners to contribute to real scientific research and develop a lifelong interest in wildlife.
How to Celebrate Big Schools Birdwatch
Participate!
If you’re in the U.K., download the RSPB’s birdwatch resources and conduct your own one-hour birdwatch in your backyard or local park.
Learn about your local birds
If you don’t live in Britain, check the Audubon Foundation’s website or find your local birding group to get information about local birds and how to spot them.
Support conservation efforts
To get more involved, donate some time or money to an organization that supports bird conservation efforts in your own country or internationally.
5 Interesting Facts About Big Schools’ Birdwatch
Starlings can mimic many sounds
Starlings, the small birds that fly in dramatic, cloud-like formations, can mimic the sounds of other birds, animals, and even car alarms.
Hundreds of species
Although small in area, the British Isles are home to over 600 species of birds.
Birds, their nests, and their eggs are legally protected
Birds, their nests. and their eggs are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Migrating swallows fly over 200 miles a day
During migration, swallows can cover over 200 miles each day, flying at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
Here comes the sun
Britain's most common bird, the blackbird, can often be seen lying on the ground with its wings spread, soaking up the sun.
Why We Love Big Schools’ Birdwatch
It emphasizes the importance of local wildlife
When we think of wildlife conservation, we often forget our backyards. But the birds and animals in our home gardens need protection too. Observing the wildlife close to our home can remind us that nature is all around us.
It encourages kids to appreciate nature
The Big Schools’ Birdwatch inspires young people to observe their local birds, learn about British wildlife, and appreciate nature.
It combines public outreach and research
By letting citizen scientists contribute their observations, the RSPB is increasing public knowledge and appreciation for birding and conservation as well as collecting valuable data that can inform public policy and advocacy.
Big Schools Birdwatch dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 6–February 13 | Tuesday–Friday |
| 2027 | January 5–February 12 | Tuesday–Friday |
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