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Big Schools Birdwatch 2026
January 7 - February 13
About Big Schools Birdwatch 2026
What is The Big Schools Birdwatch?
The Big Schools’ Birdwatch is back for 2026, bigger and with even more resources than before! Join thousands of other schools to find out which birds visit your school grounds. Together, let’s make it count!
The Big Schools’ Birdwatch is a simple bird survey for pupils to take part in and enjoy together. This activity is about counting the number of birds in your school grounds. It only takes an hour, so one lesson or lunchtime is ideal. The results also contribute to the Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s largest wildlife survey.
When is The Big Schools Birdwatch?
The Big Schools Birdwatch runs from the 7th January – 14th February 2026 and is an educational activity that gets your class closer to nature. It takes just an hour and works for all ages and abilities.
How to get involved in The Big Schools Birdwatch.
Every year, educators from every corner of the UK take part with their classes. There’s plenty of flexibility to run it with any age group of children and the RSPB have resources to help. If you’re eager to get involved look no further, we’ve popped a few details from the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch page below, along with a link to the RSPB Registration Page to make it easier than ever to get started.
1. Register today!
Sign up today and we’ll send you a great pack with everything that you and your class need to take part in Big Schools’ Birdwatch (hurry, as we have a limited quantity).
All our resources support curriculum learning, including for the first time providing you with the historical records of Big Schools’ Birdwatch, so you can compare what you see. All resources are available bilingually for schools in Wales.
2. Get counting
Get counting in your school grounds any time from 8 January to 19 February 2026. Your free pack includes helpful ID resources and handy survey sheets. Why not make Big Schools’ Birdwatch the first step you take to find out what nature is on your school’s doorstep? Complete five more challenges and you can gain your Bronze Wild Challenge award.
3. Submit your results
Submit your results online. It’s easy to do with your class interactively on the whiteboard. We really want to know what you see, even if you see nothing at all. The last day for sending us your results is 14 February.
More Wild Challenges await.
If your class loved taking part in previous year’s Big Schools Birdwatch activities and you’re eager to get involved in more wildlife challenges, the RSPB have put together a Wildlife Challenge Award and The Big Schools’ Birdwatch counts as one activity towards this.
Inspire your pupils to learn through nature by choosing from more than 20 other activities. Tick off another five and you’ll earn your Bronze Award, then work your way up to gold. Just click to find out how you can get your class started.
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