Urban people power

We’re now encouraging more people in UK cities to enjoy connections with nature, thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Our annual Big Garden Birdwatch is a celebration of nature as well as a count of local bird populations. However, although more than 500,000 people participate each January, we aim to involve a more diverse urban population to ensure that more people have the opportunity to connect with wildlife and help protect it.

‘We aim to involve a more diverse urban population to ensure that more people have the opportunity to connect with wildlife and help protect it’

So, this year we ran a trial engaging urban communities by sending nearly 650,000 Big Garden Birdwatch packs to selected postcodes in Birmingham and Manchester. The aim was to reach people over the age of 35, flat dwellers without gardens, and those who feel disconnected or unable to participate. The packs included an easy guide to participation, emphasising that it’s free and takes only an hour, as well as an explanation of how the Big Garden Birdwatch supports conservation efforts.

The results were hugely encouraging; there was a 49% increase in participation across the two cities over 2024. We’re exploring what we’ve learned to help shape efforts next year and are looking at re-testing this approach in different urban communities.

We’re also expanding the RSPB’s urban engagement work through the Giving Nature a Home project in Glasgow, building relationships with communities and organisations in areas where various barriers can limit connections with nature.

We’ve recruited a new Project Officer, who is already working with 14 groups (including nine new ones) and has run 81 sessions at the time of writing. She has successfully achieved meaningful engagement with 440 people, including students, refugees, asylum seekers, women’s and LGBTQ youth groups and individuals with Additional Support Needs. New activities developed at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve are also enabling people from urban communities to enjoy green spaces.

Big Garden Birdwatch pack sent to urban postcodes across Birmingham, including a postcard, poster and form

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The Big Garden Birdwatch pack was sent to over 600,000 people across Birmingham and Manchester. Photo: The RSPB

Carers and young children in a wooded area, playing with a large wooden musical instrument

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Making music at the Giving Nature a Home project in Glasgow. Photo: The RSPB

Bird-boxes

The project engages people in nature in varied ways, such as nature art. Photo: The RSPB

Three people in a hide, looking through binoculars over a lake

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The RSPB has been working to get more people enjoying green spaces. Photo: The RSPB

A group of around 10 young people walking onto a jetty next to a lake, on a cold day

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Groups have been taken to RSPB Lochwinnoch. Photo: The RSPB

Other projects made possible by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery include the co-creation of Nature Prescriptions materials produced with healthcare professionals in Birmingham and Cardiff, as well as the recruitment and training of dozens of species-specialised conservation volunteers in Scotland.