Survey sheets, PowerPoints, games & lesson plans
Early Years, KS1, KS2, KS3
Years R-9
The RSPB Birdwatch is a UK-wide survey of birds. The Big Schools Birdwatch is a special school version of the initiative. Every year, 60,000 children take part, spending an hour outside recording the wildlife they see.
RSPB Birdwatch 2025 dates
The RSPB Birdwatch takes place during the spring term (early January to February half term). You can sign up during autumn term.
Get outside and counting at school between 7th January and 14th February 2025. The last day for sending in your results is 24th February 2025.
Why and how to join in with the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch
How to get involved
- Register for Big Schools’ Birdwatch on the RSPB website and access free resources
- Get counting and record what you see
- Submit your results online
Follow the RSPB on social media for more information: X: @RSPB_Learning / Facebook: RSPB Learning / Instagram: RSPB_learning.
Why get involved?
Participating in the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch is an opportunity for children to connect with nature, learn about biodiversity and understand the importance of bird conservation.
Birdwatching provides hands-on learning experiences that promote observation, data collection and analysis skills.
The Birdwatch can also engage your local community, creating stronger relationships between your school and local residents who share an interest in nature. You can integrate this interdisciplinary activity into various subjects – it’s a versatile educational tool.
By participating, students will gain a sense of achievement and a connection to a broader conservation effort. This experience may just foster a lifelong conservation ethic.
Additionally, birdwatching can have positive effects on mental wellbeing by reducing stress, increasing mindfulness and promoting a sense of wonder and connection with the natural world.
RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch resources
RSPB Birdwatch sheet
These RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch counting sheets are perfect for helping you take part in this year’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch. The survey sheets will help you to count and identify birds in your school grounds.
Top-Trumps style game
Use these Birdwatch Top Trumps style cards to compare wingspan, weight and other features of common UK birds. Alternatively, play a matching pairs game with the included instructions and picture cards.
PowerPoint stories for EYFS-KS1
Teach EYFS-KS1 pupils what garden birds like to eat and how to identify them with the two included PowerPoint stories from the RSPB.
Big Schools’ Birdwatch Early Years lesson plan
Inside this download you’ll find an Early Years resource containing a lesson plan, a Lucky Duck story book and instructions for making a paper plate bird and feeder, alongside teacher notes to help you deliver the lesson.
Welsh resources
Download supporting resources for EYFS-KS3 in Welsh. The download also includes survey sheets.
More Birdwatch resources
Want more resources? Download free EYFS and KS1 Birdwatch resources from literacy resources website Plazoom.
