Farmers encouraged to take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count

The Big Farmland Bird Count is back for 2022 and organisers, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trusts (GWCT), are urging farmers and landowners to dust of their binoculars and get involved.

The count has been organised by the GWCT every year since 2014 to encourage farmers and land managers to support farmland birds and highlight the hard work already done by many of them to help reverse species’ declines. The count also gives a vital national snapshot of the health of the UK’s birdlife.

Dr Roger Draycott, of the GWCT, which organises the Big Farmland Bird Count, said: “Land managers can make a real and immediate difference by adopting effective conservation measures. And by taking part in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count, you can measure the impact your efforts are having.”

For the fourth year running, 2022’s count is sponsored by the NFU, demonstrating the farming community’s commitment to conserving farmland birds.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “2021’s results were fantastic with farmers and growers across the country responding to the count in record numbers.

“Not only are farmers producing climate-friendly food, they are also maintaining and protecting the great British countryside, creating habitats for wildlife and additional feeding for farmland birds. I encourage all farmers to get involved in the 2022 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count.”

In 2021, 2,500 counts were completed, an impressive increase on 2020 when 1,500 count forms came into the GWCT. And the area covered by 2021’s count was a massive 2.5m acres of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, up from 1.4m acres the year before.

“Farmers and gamekeepers are vital in helping to ensure the survival of many of our cherished farmland bird species such as skylark, yellowhammer, corn buntings and wild grey partridges,” said Dr Draycott. “They are responsible for managing the largest songbird habitat in this country on their land, so they are in a position to make a real difference.”

To take part, download a count sheet from the website at bfbc.org.uk and spend 30 minutes between February 4 and 20 counting birds on one spot on farm, plus a few minutes inputting results via the website. Guides to counting and identifying birds, biodiversity-boosting tips, and more details on taking part are all available on the website.

Participants are encouraged to share photos or videos of themselves counting on social media using #bfbc.

The GWCT’s Advisory team offers advice on improving biodiversity on farms and shoots.

“Modern farming methods mean that there is often not enough natural food for wildlife left in the countryside in late winter and early spring,” said Roger Draycott. “One of the best ways to support wild and game birds is to provide extra winter seed food. Supplementary feeding is particularly beneficial for birds of conservation concern like grey partridge, yellowhammer and corn bunting.”

The GWCT also encourages land managers to maintain small wet areas around the farm, such as ditches, scrapes and even old horse ponds. These can help to attract wading birds and provide nesting and foraging sites for a range of birds, including threatened species like snipe and lapwing.