The National Garden Scheme is inviting people across the UK to take part in The Big British Garden Survey, a new project which encourages everyone to discover and record the wildlife visiting their gardens using simple existing citizen science activities.
Gardens are vital habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, yet many are unaware of the extent of biodiversity supported by their outdoor spaces. Collecting wildlife observations not only contributes to ecological research but also offers participants the chance to connect more closely with the natural world, something research shows can benefit wellbeing as well as biodiversity. Anyone with a garden, large or small, an allotment or balcony, can take part.
UKCEH scientists are working with the National Garden Scheme to deliver the project and will manage and summarise the data collected to help improve understanding of how gardens support biodiversity.
UKCEH ecologist Dr Abigail Lowe said, “By combining wildlife recording with information about garden habitats, the project will generate valuable insights into how gardens support nature.”
National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton comments, “Taking part is simple - record the butterflies and other insects that your garden attracts. If you are already monitoring other wildlife in your garden, you can also contribute those records. Mapping your garden and answering a short habitat survey will provide useful context about the features that might be supporting wildlife in your garden too.”
National Garden Scheme President, Alan Titchmarsh adds, “Gardens are not only hugely important in terms of caring for the landscape and for wildlife, but they also give us an opportunity to make a real contribution to the welfare of wildlife. They make a positive contribution to the health of the natural world – a hands-on way for all of us to do our bit in looking after the planet.
"The results of this important new survey will help us understand the role that thousands of gardens play and to champion ways in which gardeners can continue to support wildlife conservation in the UK. I would encourage everyone with a garden to explore their own patch of earth and contribute to this fascinating survey.”
The survey runs from April until the end of September 2026 with results published by the National Garden Scheme in early 2027.
