From 16–22 November 2026, bellringers everywhere are invited to take part in the Ringing Census. The Census will help build a clearer picture of ringing today and provide evidence to support its future development.
The Census is for everyone
Bellringers of all ages and experience levels, wherever they live, are welcome to take part. Whether you ring every week, occasionally, or are just starting out, your contribution matters.
Taking part is entirely voluntary. The questionnaire should take 5-10 minutes for the individual census and 10-15 minutes for the tower census.
Every tower matters
Please help make sure your tower is included. Share information about the Census with your band and encourage fellow ringers to take part. The more people who respond, the more representative the results will be.
You may have heard that the Census is limited to a sample of 500 towers. The tower sample relates to the Enumerator part of the research. It does not mean that only ringers at those towers can participate. The Census is for the whole ringing community.
Why take part?
We do not currently have a reliable picture of how many people ring, how often they ring, or where ringing is changing. The Census will help provide that evidence and inform work on recruitment, retention, training and long-term planning, including the ambitions of Ringing 2030.
Your information
We will not be collecting any personal identifiable information or data on special category information. For our full data protection statement please visit cccbr.org.uk/census
Find out more
Visit the CCCBR Ringing Census page for the latest information: cccbr.org.uk/census
Frequently asked questions
When is the Ringing Census?
Census Week is 16–22 November 2026.
Who can take part?
All bellringers are invited to take part, whatever their age or experience, and wherever they live. This includes regular and occasional ringers, as well as people who are just starting out.
Is the Census only for 500 towers?
No. The tower sample is part of the Enumerator follow-up process. It does not limit who can complete the individual questionnaire: the Census is for every bellringer.
Is taking part compulsory?
No. Participation is voluntary. Every response helps make the overall picture more complete and representative.
What will I be asked to do?
You’ll be asked to complete an online questionnaire about your ringing activity after Census Week. Follow the instructions in the questionnaire if you ring at more than one tower.
How long will it take?
The questionnaire should take 5-10 minutes for the individual census and 10-15 minutes for the tower census.
Does every tower need to complete a return?
We would very much like every tower to complete a tower census. We are asking all ringers to complete the individual census, and every tower to complete the tower census. Enumerators will help a target list of 500 towers to support a statistically significant return, or you can reach out to the Census team for advice.
How will my information be used?
We are not collecting personal data, and all responses will be handled securely. Results will be published in aggregated form. For further information read the Data Protection Statement on the CCCBR Census page.
What if I need help or can’t complete the questionnaire online?
Ask your Tower Captain or nominated tower contact, or get in touch with the Census team through the CCCBR Census page. They can direct you to the latest guidance.