Gardens are extraordinary places for wildlife, and this spring and summer we’re excited to invite you to take part in The Big British Garden Survey, a new collaboration between the National Garden Scheme and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH).
This project aims to celebrate the role that gardens play in providing space and resources for wildlife.
The survey runs until 30 September 2026.
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 18 or over with access to a garden can join in.
Families are welcome to get involved together, as long as an adult completes the registration and submits any wildlife records.
You can take part whether you have a garden – big or small – an allotment, a balcony or a courtyard.
Where and when is it happening?
The survey runs across the UK from 1 April to 30 September 2026.
What will happen to the data? Click here for info
1. Complete a short registration survey. This allows any wildlife records you collect to be linked to your garden, and involves:
a. Mapping your garden boundary on a map
b. Answering a short set of questions about features that support wildlife
2. Record the butterflies and other insects visiting your garden using simple community science apps developed by UKCEH (FIT Count and iRecord Butterflies).
– If you already record wildlife in your garden using iRecord, these will automatically contribute
– Note you will need to complete step 1 for your records to be included.
3. Complete a short feedback survey at the end of the project (if step 2 is complete)
Each step of the project is entirely voluntary. Click the button below to get started!
Record the wildlife you see using beginner-friendly community-science
You can take part in either of these activities as many times as you like between April and September. If you already use iRecord to record wildlife in your garden, this will also contribute to data summaries.
You will be taken automatically to the FIT Count and iRecord Butterflies apps when you register your garden – or you can explore them on the link below.
NEW download UKPoMS-FIT-Count-Guide
Once you have signed up to take part in the Big British Garden Survey you will need a 50cm x 50cm quadrat (simple square frame). This is used during the FIT Count to mark out a patch of flowers and record the number of insects that land inside the boundary over 10 minutes.
Follow our step-by-step video guide with garden owner Irene, as she signs up to take part in the Big British Garden Survey.
Hundreds of National Garden Scheme gardens provide a safe space for wildlife. From wildflower meadows to bug hotels why not visit a garden this summer and get inspiration to create your own wildlife haven.
Photo: The House on Stilts
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