Big School’s Birdwatch with Jigsaw Outdoors

Taking part in Big Schools Birdwatch it offers children and schools a shared moment of curiosity and care, helping them feel connected to their environment, each other, and a wider community of schools across the country.

We’ve created a free two-page guide to support schools taking part in the RSPB Big School’s Birdwatch (6th January – 13th February 2026). Alongside practical guidance on how to get involved, our resource offers simple ideas to encourage mindfulness, wellbeing and reflection, helping children pause, notice and experience moments of awe during the school day.

How does this link to PSHE?

The Big School’s Birdwatch is more than a bird survey, it’s a natural opportunity to explore PSHE themes and nurture children’s wellbeing:

• It invites children to pause, be still, and practise mindfulness
• Moments of awe and curiosity support positive mental health
• Caring for birds nurtures empathy and responsibility
• Taking part builds a sense of belonging to a wider community
• Talking and recording together strengthens communication and teamwork

All schools are welcome to use this resource, whether or not you currently use Jigsaw materials. The ideas are flexible and easy to adapt, making it accessible for everyone to join in.

For schools using Jigsaw PSHE

The Big School’s Birdwatch falls perfectly within our Dreams and Goals Puzzle (Spring 1), making it an ideal opportunity to extend your PSHE learning outdoors. The themes of working together, communication, teamwork and contributing to something bigger than ourselves are woven throughout both the Birdwatch experience and your Dreams and Goals lessons.

Use the Birdwatch as a practical, real-world context for exploring how we achieve more when we collaborate, how every contribution matters, and how being part of a community (whether that’s our class, school, or the thousands of schools taking part nationally) helps us feel connected and valued.

For all Schools

If you take part, we’d love to hear how you get on! Please share photographs or feedback with our Jigsaw Outdoors Programme Lead, Amy Jones, at [email protected]