Join the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch

Do you have bird feeders on your golf course? Or somewhere you regularly see birds on the golf course?

A bird feeder at Sickleholme Golf Club © Dr Marie Athorn

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on 28 to 30 January and anyone with access to greenspace across the UK can take part, especially greenkeepers. All it takes is spending one hour to watch what birds come and go from any spot on your golf course.

The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch is a fantastic citizen science project that collects really important data about the state of the UK's garden bird populations. It is part of the data that informs statistics like the loss of 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 50 years, so it really is vital we do all we can to look after our birdlife. The RSPB, as a conservation charity, depends on your support to save nature and to look after places where wildlife can thrive, including golf courses. By taking part in Big Garden Birdwatch, you can make a difference. Wherever you are, whatever you see, it counts!

So why not get involved, one entry per golf club, your keenest birder - greenkeeper or member? Sign up at https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/.

Putting food out and counting birds during Big Garden Birdwatch is not the only way you can help birds and other nature on your golf course. Thinking about the parts of your golf course that can be managed with nature in mind, such as areas between the holes and areas out of play, and then slightly altering the management of areas of long rough to flourish with wildflowers can really benefit pollinators, birds and other wildlife, while still enabling golf balls to be found and played easily.

The partnership between the RSPB and The R&A exists to provide advice on supporting nature on your golf course, while enabling it to still be a fun and challenging place to play golf. If you want to find out more about the partnership check out The R&A website, where you can also find contact details for Dr Marie Athorn: https://www.randa.org/en/rspb