Birdwatching is a fantastic way to engage with nature, have some fun and improve your wellbeing, whether you’re watching from your window or in your garden. As cities and towns continue to grow and encroach upon natural habitats, British animals increasingly rely upon small safe havens in our gardens and among urban spaces.

Research finds that gardens in Greater London are the second smallest across the UK, with the average garden area measuring just 118 m². This compares with the average size of a UK garden being 181 m².

Wildlife expert Sean Mcmenemy is there urging people in London to embrace birdwatching to make the most of their small gardens and connect with nature. This month is a great time to start with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch taking place from 27 – 29 January.

Since recording began in the 1970s, bird populations have plummeted by up to 90% for some species. In response to this decline, the upcoming RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 aims to get millions reporting on their local bird activity to create insight into bird numbers across the UK.

Sean McMenemy, director at Ark Wildlife, provides his top tips on how to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2023, as well as the benefits of getting involved.

Tips for birdwatching
Be prepared. If you don’t have access to a garden, you can venture out to a local nature spot or simply use your window as a viewing point to the outside world.

Use educational resources. It can help to have images to hand so that you know what type of bird you’ve spotted (images of some popular birds can be found on this RSPB resource.) It can also help to identify birds by their songs and calls. You can listen to sound clips on the RSPB website.

Use winter bird food to attract more birds. Scattering winter bird food can have a big impact on the number and diversity of birds attracted to the area. So if there seems to be a lack of birds around, this tip could create a more exciting birdwatch experience! Common birds to look out for in the winter include starlings, robins, chaffinches, goldfinches and blackbirds.

Remain patient and have fun! When birdwatching, birds may not necessarily appear straight away. So it’s important to make the most of all the beautiful sights and sounds that can be experienced, such as spotting other wildlife or watching plants sway in the wind. Wildlife watching — whether in the countryside or from a window — can bring an immense sense of pleasure and wellbeing. The more you watch, the more immersed you become.

Benefits of getting involved in birdwatching
According to Sean, spending time watching nature has been shown to benefit both the mind and body. Sitting quietly in fresh air, or walking in open spaces, balances our physiology and promotes the production of positive hormones.

Slowing to nature’s rhythm and pace is greatly beneficial, as it provides a sense of escapism from our busy, fast-paced daily routines. Time spent in nature is never wasted.

Remaining positive and keeping the mind stimulated whilst housebound can be challenging, but there’s always room to learn. Even gazing out of the window can be a great way to engage the mind. Counting, recording, drawing, observing and identifying visiting birds are all valuable learning opportunities that are fun and mentally stimulating.