How to do the count
How to use the app
The 2026 Big Farmland Bird Count is taking place from 6 – 22 February.
Just follow the three simple steps below to take part:
1. Download your count sheet
Those who participate in the count in February 2026 will be able to submit their entries online or via the PERDIXPro Fieldbook App.
To help with the count out in the field you can download and print our helpful count sheet:
Don’t have access to a computer?
- If you don’t have access to a computer you can return your count findings by post. You can then return to the address provided on the form.
2. Count your birds!
- On one day between 6th and 22nd February spend about 30 minutes recording the species and number of birds seen on one particular area of the farm. You can choose your own location but somewhere with a good view of around 2 ha of the farm would be ideal.
- You will be asked to record the types of habitat and cropping on and adjacent to your count site to help provide us with more detail about your count location.
- To see the highest number of birds we would recommend that the site includes or is close to an area of game or wild seed mix or somewhere that supplementary feeding takes place.
- Ideally, counting should take place at first light as this is when the birds are most active. However, it is more important that you take part, so timings should suit you.
3. Submit your results
You can submit your Big Farmland Bird Count results quickly and easily online through the PERDIXPro Fieldbook app, once the count begins on 6th February 2026.
To submit your postal results, please send them to: FAO Ellie Raynor, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF.