Call to join the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count

The count is an annual national census of farmland birds run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and it has been providing vital data for the past decade which has helped us to understand which species are in the most serious trouble and how we can help them.

The 2025 count kicks off on Friday,  February 7 and runs for two weeks. 

As well as providing snapshot of the bird population on UK farms, the BFBC aims to raise awareness of the important role that farmers and other land managers play in the conservation of farmland birds.

Farmland birds have declined by 63 per cent since 1970 and the GWCT says it needs help to reverse the trend.

TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson highlighted the importance of the Big Farmland Bird Count by featuring it on BBC One's Countryfile earlier this year.

 He said: “The UK has lost more than 70 million wild birds over the last 50 years, with over 60% of farmland birds affected. Farmers have the opportunity to be at the forefront of any efforts to restore those populations.

“Nature-friendly farming is the way forward, and to make sure we're getting it right, providing the best habitats and support for our farmland birds, it is important to keep records.

 “Taking part in the Big Farmland Bird Count helps us do exactly that, which is why I will be taking part.”

During the 2024 count back in February, nearly 395,000 birds were spotted during 1,721 surveys. 

The most common species seen were starling, woodpigeon and fieldfare.

A total of 140 different species were recorded and of those, 27 were red-listed, totalling nearly 140,000 individuals.

The most abundant red list species were starling, linnet, fieldfare and lapwing, while the rarest sightings were of snow bunting, rock pipit, merlin, greenshank, golden eagle and Bittern.

Nearly 80 per cent of farms recorded blackbirds, robins and woodpigeons. 

 Dr Roger Draycott, from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), said:  “The BFBC is the first and only UK-wide citizen science project to involve land managers in monitoring the state of farmland birds.

“Since the count started in 2014, it has helped us understand how wildlife is doing on our land, and it gives us a national snapshot of the state of nation when it comes to our farmland birds. 

 “You can really make a difference by taking part. By spending just half an hour in one spot on your farm or shoot, counting the birds you see and submitting your results to the GWCT, the results help us build a national picture of which species are benefiting from conservation efforts, and which are most in need of help.”

To find out how to get involved in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count and to receive a downloadable bird guide, visit  https://www.bfbc.org.uk/