Every February from the 7th-23rd the Big Farmland Bird Count takes place across farmland across the UK, recording birds species and their number. Both the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and the National Farmers Union (NFU), have worked together to organise and sponsor the event, allowing land owners and farms to take part nation wide.
The count started back in 2014, with the aim on providing a look into the different species of birds that are also using farmland. In 2014 there were only a total of 500 land owners taking part, but in 2024 there was a record 1,700 participants. The data collected by land owners can be used to show how their conservations efforts are having a direct impact on their land, by showing the impact different strategies are having on bird populations. This in turn then can help to create better management plans that directly impact bird species on a site by site basis.
Monitoring and protecting birds on farmland has never been so important, with a decline of 67% across all farmland bird species since 1960s. To put this in perspective - 72% of land in the UK is farm land. That's a massive loss for birds! These birds provide ecosystem services that are vital for a healthy functioning habitat, they can eat pest species such as rodents and insects and through traveling can pollinate crops.
How does the count take place?
For those land owners and farmers that want to get involved, it only takes 30 minutes.
Print off an ID guide and a survey sheet.
Find a good view over 2 hectares of land. You will need to record the habitat type.
Then you just record the birds you see for the next 30 minutes.
Once you have completed the survey you can confidentially submit you results on the online platform, to help improve knowledge of bird distribution in the UK. For more information the GWCT is the place to look, here you will find all the information on how to sign up and submit your results.
