GBFS commenced in 1970/71 to examine the increasingly popular activity of providing food for birds in gardens during winter and is the longest-running study of its kind in the world. With food and feeders changing so much over the years,  GBFS has played an essential role in examining the effects on birds using these resources. This unique dataset has been used in a number of studies, illuminating the effect garden feeding has had on birds over the past 50 years.

About the Garden Bird Feeding Survey

For over 40 winters, GBFS has charted dramatic comings and goings at bird feeders. The survey has seen this activity evolve from a small-scale pastime based mainly on the provision of kitchen scraps to a multi-million pound industry. Indeed, it is estimated that around half of UK householders feed birds in their garden providing some 50-60 thousand tonnes of bird food per annum.

With increased commercialisation has come a plethora of new bird foods and associated feeding equipment. The GBFS results suggest that these changes have opened the garden gate to many once-infrequent garden visitors.

Taking part

Only a relatively small number of people participate in the GBFS each winter. Gardens are chosen carefully from existing members of the Garden BirdWatch survey, ensuring good coverage across the UK and a roughly even split between rural and suburban gardens.

Participants often stay with the GBFS for a number of winters (some have even spanned the past four decades!) but occasionally people drop out. As and when vacancies become available participants from the larger Garden BirdWatch survey are approached to take their place. Thanks to the dedicated observations of GBFS participants, more than 40 years of data have now been collected.

Code of Conduct

Volunteers must follow BTO’s Code of Conduct. This code applies to our staff, our members, and volunteers, including surveyors and participants in the Ringing and Nest Record Schemes, (hereafter referred to collectively as ‘staff and supporters’). It applies to all BTO activities, whether online (including meetings and events, telephone, letter, and email) or offline (any face-to-face interaction). We've also written some guidance for volunteer fieldworkers, which will help beginners in particular.