This is a new project which commences this year on April 1st, continuing until the end of June.

Birds in Greenspaces is a UK-wide citizen science survey of birds that use our public-access greenspaces. These spaces play many important roles for both birds and people, particularly in urban areas. For birds they offer resources and shelter that cannot be found in the surrounding built-up environment, and for people, are important hubs for socialising, exercise, and cultural activities. For many they are also the only accessible place to connect with the natural world, something which can be very beneficial for mental health.

Public access greenspaces include places like parks, cemeteries, and playing fields, to name a few, meaning a wide range of different habitat on offer. The way in which habitat is managed also varies, determining which birds (and how many of them) make use of these sites. If we can find out the importance of different greenspaces for birds, and people, we can use the findings to inform management guidance, so that decisions are made that benefit both.

The Kent Ornithological Society is supporting this survey and both the KOS and Kent BTO would like to see as many people as possible get involved and contribute data to the survey. It’s a very easy and simple survey to do and it’s hoped that experienced birders, as well as members of the public and less experienced birders, will pick a local greenspace in their neighbourhood to complete a visit or two (or more!). As well as improving our knowledge of how important these areas are for birds (urban greenspaces are generally poorly recorded) the survey represents a great opportunity to promote and recruit interest in counting birds. It also provides an opportunity for experienced birders to encourage and help other people they may meet who are also taking part, perhaps leading to new members of the KOS and/or the BTO – and maybe future BBS participants!

You don’t have to register for a given site, there are no limits to how many people can cover a given greenspace, how often visits are made, when the visits are made (as long as between April 1st and June 30th) or what time of day the surveys are done – although preferably in the morning when birds are more active. A very easy to use mobile phone app is available – just search “Birds in Greenspaces” and upload, but observations can also be entered online.

Anyone can take part in Birds in Greenspaces! From April to June, we will be asking you to record the birds in your local greenspace(s), or any other of your choice from the greenspaces UK map. By simply recording which greenspace you visited, how long you spent there, which birds you saw and how many, you will be contributing key data. Whatever your experience level, we will be offering a range of resources to help you to take part and build your skills.

We will be offering recording options that are accessible to everyone, with thousands of survey sites in cities, towns and villages across the UK. We want this project to engage all groups and organisations, not just those with a background in natural history. So, if you’re a member of or involved with a group, club or community that uses a particular greenspace that you know or visit, please pass on details of this survey and encourage their participation.

You can sign up for the monthly newsletter via this link to stay up to date with how the survey is progressing.

Visit the BTO website to find out more about Birds in Greenspaces