Farmers urged to make bird count the biggest yet

ONE OF the biggest citizen science projects to the check the health of the nation’s farmland birds starts this week.

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s (GWCT) Big Farmland Bird Count begins on Friday and runs until Sunday, February 20.

The GWCT, which has run the event since 2014, is hoping as many farmers and land managers as possible will take part.

“Gamekeepers and farmers 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 the GWCT’s Dr Roger Draycott, who runs the count.

“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.”

Last year’s count took place during freezing conditions, which saw the closing date extended but led to 2,500 submissions – a significant increase on 2020’s count of 1,500.

The area covered by 2021’s count also rose to 2.5m acres of land in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, up from 1.4m acres the year before.

“We are challenging land managers to make 2022’s count bigger than ever,” said Dr Draycott, adding the GWCT’s team will offer advice on improving biodiversity on farms.

He said: “Modern farming methods mean that there is often not enough natural food for wildlife left in the countryside in late winter and early spring.

“One of the best ways to support wild and game birds is to provide extra winter seed food which is particularly beneficial for birds of conservation concern like grey partridge, yellowhammer and corn bunting.”