Have you seen this bird?

Then perhaps you'd like to take part in the BTO's big citizen science survey of birds that can be found in public-access green spaces: parks, urban nature reserves, woods, commons, playing fields, cemeteries and public gardens?

These urban green spaces play many important roles for both birds and people and offer a wide variety of habitats

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 place to connect with the natural world.

The way in which habitat is managed also varies, determining which birds (and how many of them) make use of these sites.

If BTO can find out the importance of different green spaces for birds, and people, they can use the findings to inform management guidance, so that decisions are made that benefit both.

The project is open to people of all ages and experience levels, across the UK and BTO want as many people as possible to get out into their local green space and learn about and connect with the wildlife there, and help find out more about these understudied spaces.

You will need a smart phone (they can be useful!) and can download an easy to use app that enables you to do both surveys and quick records on your phone. The project runs from 1st April to 30th June.

For Friends groups and managers of green spaces, there are a variety of printable resources that you can use to encourage people to get involved. 

So next time you go for a walk in your local green space, use your phone to help the birds.