Hartpury University students studying a range of animal, equine and sport degrees, joined in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch on Saturday 25 January, surveying bird activity across the Gloucestershire campus.
A total of 122 birds were recorded, including a nuthatch that was being chased by blue tits defending a nest hole. Other highlights included a treecreeper, and a large flock of redwing feeding on the grass among some dead leaves.
The Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey, helping the RSPB to understand how the nation’s garden birds are doing during an annual snapshot in time. Taking place over three days each January, participants are encouraged to spend one hour logging bird activity in their garden. Results are then submitted to the RSPB website and are available to view.
While the nationwide results are still coming in, the house sparrow was the most viewed in gardens across the country, with blue tits and woodpigeons in second and third place respectively. Sightings of starlings were down on last year, despite still being the fourth most spotted bird. Robin sightings were up in 2025, with the popular, red-breasted bird rocketing into sixth place. Yorkshire and Lancashire were the counties with the most engagement.
Lucy Garrett, Lecturer in Animal Science said: “The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is a brilliant example of the importance of public engagement in conservation efforts. It’s fantastic to see our students contributing to such an important initiative, helping to monitor bird populations and raising awareness about the need to protect our wildlife.
“It was also great for the students to explore our beautiful campus and take time to notice small things like early-blooming snowdrops and blue alpine squill flowers.”
Hartpury University offers a range of animal, conservation and environment-related degrees designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address global challenges in wildlife conservation, biodiversity, human-animal interaction, and environmental sustainability. Degrees such as the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science are particularly notable for those interested in the finer details of ecosystems while the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences is a good choice for those with a more broad interest in biology.
Programmes combine theoretical learning with field trips and applied activities that utilise the university’s outstanding facilities, on-site animal collection, industry links, and a 360-hectare campus with its diverse habitats.
