Robin on the floor © Tom Hibbert
MWT Garden Bird Survey
Making sightings count
Huge thanks to everyone who has taken part in the MWT Garden Bird Survey over the years. Since it began in the 1990s, dozens of local bird lovers have been involved in the citizen science survey. For over 30 years, it has helped bring people closer to the wildlife on their doorstep by encouraging observation, engagement and action. In turn surveyors' sightings have yielded useful data for county recorders and more recently informed annual county reports – all of which helps build a vital picture of how birds are faring in the county.
Take part in BTO'S Garden Birdwatch
However, the world of wildlife recording has moved on in leaps and strides, and taking part in a national recording project, such as British Trust for Ornithology’s Garden Birdwatch, enables bird-lovers to make a much bigger contribution to conservation with their wildlife sightings.
We would encourage all participants of the MWT Garden Bird Survey to make the switch to the BTO’s survey as this year-round scheme enables you to enter all garden wildlife sightings into their online system, which feeds straight into data sets which can be used both locally and contribute to national trends. It is through national surveys like this we find out when a species is declining and needs help!
And don’t fear – should you need help adjusting to this new way of recording, help is at hand! Just get in touch with Conservation Officer Tammy Stretton.
Online only
In line with our increasing focus on recording schemes that have the biggest impact on conservation, we will be phasing out the MWT Garden Bird Survey. To reduce paper use and associated costs and emissions for the Trust, we will no longer mail out paper copies of the MWT Garden Bird Survey with Otter magazine.
However, we will, for a while, continue to make the forms available online so that those who still wish to take part can either do so digitally or on paper by printing out and submitting to the address on the form in the usual way. But we would be keen to hear from those of you reluctant to make the switch, so that we can better understand your reasons and hopefully break down any potential barriers that might be preventing you from taking part.
If you would like more information about the BTO's Garden Birdwatch, or would like to sign up, click the button below:
