That 10th GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count – Friday 3rd to Sunday 19th February bfbc.org.uk
Sponsored by the NFU
“We will not achieve biodiversity restoration if protection is limited to nature reserves and national parks,” said Dr. Roger Draycott of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) ahead of the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count 2023. “72% of birds in the UK All land area is farmed, so farmers, land managers, forest managers and game wardens have a vital role to play in the future the animal world.
“Now more than ever is the time to support wildlife on their land and get involved in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count,” continued Roger, who organizes the statewide focus on farmland birds.
2023 marks the tenth year of the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count – the UK’s first citizen science project to engage farmers in monitoring the condition of farmland birds. Since 2014, more than 11,000 censuses have been taken by farm workers.
“Farmers are under a variety of pressures, but many of them do so much to support wildlife, often unnoticed by the public. The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is an opportunity for them to see the impact of their efforts and for us to celebrate their hard work.”
The GWCT is asking land managers to make the Count’s tenth anniversary in 2023 the best ever by registering to participate. By spending just half an hour in one spot on their land between February 3rd and 19th, counting the birds they see and then submitting their findings to the GWCT, they will help the charity build a national picture of it create which types of conservation efforts will benefit those most in need of assistance.
And the most recent assessment of the status of birds in the UK, the Birds of Conservation Concern 5 list (2021), suggests our farmland birds need all the help they can get. More than one in four British bird species is in serious trouble and many of the struggling species are farmland and upland birds.
Land managers can make a real and immediate difference by taking effective conservation measures, such as: B. the provision of additional winter fodder or the cultivation of crops that serve specifically to provide seed for birds. For science-based advice from the GWCT on promoting biodiversity and supporting farmland birds, visit bfbc.org.uk .
Registration for the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is free and no expertise or equipment is required. In many places, local bird and wildlife groups are working with farmers to help them count.
The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count has extensive support from farming and rural organizations and, in its fifth year, the NFU is sponsoring the count. NFU President Minette Batters said:
“The annual Big Farmland Bird Count, which NFU is proud to sponsor, provides a fantastic snapshot of the tremendous work being done on agricultural farms to enhance wildlife.
“Farmers across the country not only produce sustainable, climate-friendly food, they also maintain and protect the great British countryside, create habitats for biodiversity and provide additional food for farmland birds.
“I encourage all farmers to participate in the 2023 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count.”
Find out how to get involved in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count February 3-19, 2023 at www.bfbc.org.uk where downloadable bird guides are also available.
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Note to the editor:
The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is sponsored by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
- It is also kindly supported by:
- CLA
- FWAG: Advisory Group on Agriculture and Wildlife
- NSA: National Sheep Association
- LEAF: linking environment and agriculture
- kings
- NFU Scotland
- NFU Cymru
- Perdix
- CFE: Commit to the managed environment
- Ulster Farmers Union
How to take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count:
Species guides, including short videos, are available at www.bfbc.org.uk.
- Download your score sheet from the BFBC website www.bfbc.org.uk
- Count your birds! Spend approx 30 minutes Record the species and number of birds seen on a specific area of the farm.
- Once you have completed your count, simply submit your results online at www.bfbc.org.uk
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – Providing research-led conservation for a thriving landscape. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity that has been conducting scientific research into game and game in Britain since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on how to improve wildlife habitats. We employ 22 PhD scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, agriculture, fish and statistics. We conduct our own research as well as projects funded by contracts and grants from government and private entities.
