February 2021 saw the eighth annual Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, with record numbers of participants taking part. Over 1,800 farmers took part and recorded more than 130 species across 2.5 million acres. That’s more farmers than in any previous year!
Proudly supported by the NFU, CLA LEAF, CFE, as well as many others they now return for their 9th year of the Big Farmland Bird Count on Friday the 4th of Februrary. It only takes 30 minutes and is a great way to see how your farm is helping the local bird population. Follow the link below for all the information you need, including resources to help you identify bird species on your farm.
Eight of the top 25 most abundant species are on the Red List for Birds of Conservation Concern and include: Starling, fieldfare, lapwing, linnet, yellowhammer, redwing, house sparrow and skylark with the average farm size of those taking part was 1,027 acres. 48% of participants are in some form of agri-environment scheme, demonstrating their long-term commitment to environmental management.
