On 24 January 2025, Dose of Nature clients, volunteers, and team members gathered at Pensford Field to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch — a nationwide event running from 24–26 January. After a stormy week, we were delighted to enjoy calm weather, perfect for spotting wildlife. 

We started the morning by installing two new bird feeders outside the main shed, which we filled with seed — and within the hour, Blue Tits were happily feeding from them. Over the course of our one-hour survey, we recorded 11 different bird species, with the northwest part of the field proving the most attractive to birds. One of the highlights was seeing a group of at least six Long-Tailed Tits — a social species often seen in lively family flocks — and a magical moment when three robins were spotted together by one of our wonderful volunteers. 

The Big Garden Birdwatch isn’t just a lovely way to connect with nature — it’s a vital tool for monitoring how our bird populations are faring. With many familiar species now appearing on the RSPB’s list of Birds of Conservation Concern, every sighting contributes to building a national picture of birdlife health. 

This surprisingly rich winter count shows the real potential of Pensford Field as a local hub for wildlife. As we look ahead, we hope to build on this momentum with more bird feeders, seasonal surveys, and opportunities for everyone to get involved — even if it’s just a quick glance at the feeders as you enter the field. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a successful and inspiring morning.

Find out more about the Big Garden Birdwatch on the RSPB website.