Last year more than 1,700 farms across the UK took part in the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Big Farmland Bird Count and more than 460,000 birds of 149 different species were recorded across over 1.5 million acres of farmland. A huge achievement.
Ross MacLeod, who farms in the Scottish Borders and is also GWCT’s Head of Policy in Scotland, says:
“I would encourage as many farmers, crofters, gamekeepers and land managers to take part as possible as this exercise provides the biggest single annual indicator of the health of our farmland bird populations right across the country.
“It takes just 30 minutes at one spot on the farm to record what you see and then submit your results. So, when you stop the tractor and have your ‘piece’ at lunchtime just jot down the birds you spot.”
The Big Farmland Bird Count in Scotland is supported by NFU Scotland and sponsored by the NFU across the UK.
Listen to Ross talk about the Big Farmland Bird Count in this short video:
Here’s how to take part
1. Download your count sheet. To help with the count out in the field, download and print our helpful count sheet.
2. Count your birds! On one day between 2nd and 18th February, spend about 30 minutes recording the species and number of birds seen on one particular area of the farm.
3. Submit your results. Submit your results quickly and easily online.
The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count runs from 2 to 18 February 2024. Find out more, download bird guides and sign up to the free webinar at www.bfbc.org.uk.
Signing up for the count is FREE and no specialist knowledge or equipment are required.
Free Big Farmland Bird Count Webinar – Join this FREE and exciting online event on Tuesday 6 February at 10.30am to learn how to help birds on your farm and find out what the GWCT has learned from ten years of the count. Whether you’re a farmer, birdwatcher or just want to know more about the biodiversity in our countryside, this workshop will be of interest.