Due to the adverse weather in February the Big Farmland Bird Count will be extended by another week
The national annual census of farmland birds – the Big Farmland Bird Count – is being extended by a week to give more farmers, land managers and other ‘working conservationists’ a chance to get out onto their land to count their birds.
Because of the exceptionally wet conditions during the count, which began on 6 February and was due to end on 22 February, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) made the decision to let it run until 1 March.
The count provides a fascinating snapshot of bird populations on farms across the country and aims to raise awareness of the vital role that farmers and other land managers play in the conservation of our native farmland birds. Given 72% of the land is farmed, national biodiversity recovery can only be achieved alongside sustainable food production.
Dr Roger Draycott, GWCT’s Director of Advisory, says: “With an extra week to participate in the BFBC, we would encourage people to wait for a gap in the wet weather and take the opportunity to take part in this hugely important survey of the UK’s farmland birds. The BFBC gives us a valuable national picture of the impact of farmers’ contribution to conservation and the data helps us demonstrate why it is essential that the government continues to adequately fund agri-environment measures. The more farmers who take part, the clearer the picture we get of trends in the abundance of species and the stronger the message to policymakers.”
Signing up for the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is free and no specialist knowledge or equipment are required, just the willingness to spend half an hour or so on the farm observing the birds around you. You do not have to be an expert and there are many useful tools, such as the free Merlin Bird ID app that can be used. Taking part in the count is even easier this year thanks to the new the PERDIXPro Fieldbook app. Participants can input counts instantly out in the field or submit when in an area of signal.
In many places, local bird and wildlife groups are working with farmers and land managers to help them do the count. Why not contact your local ornithological group to see if they can help!
How to take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count
- Download the PERDIXPro Fieldbook app, or print off a count sheet from the BFBC website. Head out and pick an area of the farm where you know birds like to gather.
- Bring a pair of binoculars and pick a spot where you have a better chance of seeing more birds. Being near a hedgerow can be good as many farmland birds will seek cover in hedges.
- Count your birds! Spend about 30 minutes recording both the species and number of birds seen on your chosen area of the farm.
- Once you’ve completed your count, simply submit your results through the app, or post them to us. If submitting through the app, you can also have your results emailed to you.
Bird ID guides, instructions, link to app, printable count sheets, are available at the BFBC website.