The RSPB is running their Big Schools’ Birdwatch 2026 citizen science project between January and February this new year. Here they ask schools to record what birds they see in their school grounds. But why get involved? 🐦

• Citizen Science projects are a great way to introduce students to the crossover between science and nature protection. These projects can empower students, showing them that they can be involved in real change. 💪

• Citizen science has been shown to positively influenced participants attitudes toward wildlife. 🐝

• The RSPB provides digitally accessible, curriculum linked activities for before, during and after the Birdwatch. All resources are available bilingually for schools in Wales. 

• This includes access to historical records of Big Schools’ Birdwatch, so you can compare what your school sees with previous data. 📊

• The bird count itself should improve students' observation skills. 🔍

• Resources included will help pupils consider how being in nature impacts their mental health and wellbeing.  

What do schools need to do?

1. Register here: https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/133476/subscribe/1?ea.tracking.id=rspb_web 

2. Get counting – spend some time with students, anytime between 6th Jan and 13th Feb, recording the birds you can see in your school grounds. 🕊️

3. Submit results online – no matter how many birds are seen. 🦅

Start your student's year off with the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch 2026 and show them how nature and science are intertwined. 🌳🔬

More information found here - https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/get-ready-for-big-schools-birdwatch