Across the UK, more than 590,000 people took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2025, with a whopping 9.1 million birds counted and the humble house sparrow the most spotted bird in gardens.
The annual event returns between January 23 and 25 and is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.
But looking out for birds and getting involved in nature can be enjoyed all-year-round and English Heritage has plenty of locations where you can also find rare species thriving, including birds…there’s even a bird watching event supporting RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January.
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.
The Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25 between 7.45am to 4pm. Suitable for everyone, explore 96 acres of beautiful grounds where there will be lots going on all weekend. Crafting activities for children are taking place between 11am and 3pm on Saturday, while visitors can join a free guided bird watch from 8am to 9.30am on the Sunday. At 10.30am there will be a talk by the volunteers on ‘The Birds of Wrest Park.’ The café will open at the earlier time of 8am on both days. To find out more visit the website here.
Kenwood, London.
Positioned to the north of Hampstead Heath, during the winter the 112 acres of glorious parkland offer a great place to see redwings, a rare type of thrush that rarely visits gardens, unless the weather gets really cold.
What to spot: As well as redwings, you can also spot fieldfares, spotted flycatcher, willow warbler and chiff-chaff as well as greater spotted and green woodpeckers. And, of course, you can’t miss spotting the noisy, green parakeets at this London site. See the website here for details.
Dover Castle, Kent.
A common sight over the skies of Kent when Dover Castle’s defences were first built in the 12th century, the chough has been missing from the area for more than 200 years, due to habitat loss and historical persecution.
In recent years, the site has seen an avian success story with the reintroduction of choughs to the site.
What to spot: Captive choughs are in Dover’s aviary and working with a number of partners, English Heritage is working to restore the chalk grasslands which are important to these birds. See more about Dover Castle here.
Hurst Castle, Hampshire.
A Tudor artillery fort built by Henry VIII and continually developed until the Second World War, it is located at the end of a mile-long shingle spit.
With the coastline part of the New Forest National Park, it is designated a ‘Special Protection Area’ meaning it is internationally important for birds.
What to spot: A relatively common bird to our coastlines, the often-overlooked rock pipets flitting around the castle walls can be seen all-year-round. See Hurst Castle details right here.
To find out more about the sites and things to do in 2026, visit english-heritage.org.uk
Looking for a gift idea this January?
If you’re stuck on what to get a loved one or friend a gift for their January birthday, how about a membership to the sites we’ve mentioned above, and many more with English Heritage?
We’ve teamed up with charity to offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships which gives the chance to see its sites in every season.
What’s more English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under the age of 18 within the family group into any of the English Heritage properties at no extra charge.
Want to find out more? Simply click here!
Use code AFFNW25 at the checkout.
Offer ends: December 31, 2026.
T&C’s: For use on new membership purchases only. Annual direct debit only.
