Get birdwatching in 2026

No matter the size of your garden, or where in Essex you are situated, these simple additions to your garden will encourage year long activity for you to enjoy.

Unfortunately, we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. But the good news is that, with these tips, you won’t have to wait long to see more birds enjoying your garden. 

Follow these tips and start seeing more birds in 2026. Here are our top tips on how to encourage birds to your garden.

Winter is a good time to provide extra food for birds who are experiencing natural food shortages.

There are many different types of bird foods and feeders available to buy, each attracting different types of birds. Sightings of blackbirds are in decline.

They mostly feed on the ground, so try scattering fatty nibbles or mealworms on the ground and see how many you can spot.

Why not also consider planting berry-rich trees and shrubs like rowan, hawthorn and holly which will not only provide a natural food source for many birds but also shelter and nesting sites as well.

Adding a few nesting boxes in sheltered areas of your garden, away from potential predators, is the best way to do this. Try different spots, somewhere between north and east facing is ideal. Use our handy Nest Box Building Guide to build your own nest box.

Try spending a few days looking out for bird nesting activity before trimming any hedges in your garden. Although nesting usually takes place between the months of March and August, some birds nest earlier (or stay later).

If you see any nesting activity, put down your shears and wait to see who’s chosen your hedge as their new home.

You can help keep the birds in your garden healthy by regularly cleaning bird feeders, tables and baths to prevent the build-up of bacteria and viruses which can spread diseases.

Use gloves and warm soapy water to clean your bird friendly equipment weekly to kill any lurking bacteria.

The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers like you take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring.

Simply Spend an hour watching the birds in your patch, between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 January, and record the birds that land.

Alternatively, why not sign up to eBird to record and share your sightings and discover all the birds seen in your area?

Take a trip to an Essex Country Park and start birdwatching in the wide open spaces.

The Essex Country Parks have an abundance of flora and fauna to discover. You can take part in the RSPB'S Big Garden Birdwatch at one of our parks or simply spend some time watching the birds in a peaceful and tranquil environment.

You could also take a trip to Cudmore Grove Country Park and visit the bird hide. You can expect to see little white egrets, whilst migratory birds such as pochard and shoveler ducks may be spotted during the winter months.

The hide can be found overlooking a pond to the north east of the car park.

From countryside to coast, there's an Essex Country Park to suit you. Discover what's on your doorstep today.