Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Youngsters are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – the annual national census of farmland birds. Organised... Big Farmland Bird Count

Youngsters are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – the annual national census of farmland birds.

Organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the bird count provides vital data to help scientists and conservationists understand which species are in trouble and how they can be helped.

Bigger and better

The two-week count for 2025 kicks off on Friday, 7 February. The GWCT says it hopes to make this year’s count bigger and better than ever – and is asking for all the family to be involved.

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

“We would love to see more of our younger generation taking part, so if you are a farmer, ranger, game or forester, why not see if you can get some help from  your children, grandchildren or younger friends and family.”

To encourage younger bird spotters, the GWCT has have updated its Big Farmland Bird Count website with some easy-to-use guides and count sheets. These are freely available to download.

Citizen science

Farmland birds have declined by 63% since 1970 and need help to reverse the trend. The key to doing this, and increasing biodiversity, are the people who look after the 72% of UK land used for farming.

TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson highlighted the importance of the Big Farmland Bird Count by featuring it on BBC One Countryfile last year. Farmers have the opportunity to be at the forefront of any efforts to restore those populations.

Way forward

“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.”

Last year’s survey saw 395,000 birds spotted. A total of 140 species were recorded with the most common species seen were starling, woodpigeon and fieldfare.

Some 27 species were red-listed. The most abundant red list species were starling, linnet, fieldfare and lapwing, while the rarest sightings included snow bunting, rock pipit, merlin and greenshank.

GWCT conservationist Roger Draycott says: “The Big Farmland Bird Count 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.”

For full details and to take part, visit www.bfbc.org.uk

Ploughing through the strain

The New Year is upon us – and ongoing concerns about the impact of the autumn Budget continue to dominate much of our time at the Country Land & Business Association.

During the weeks and months since the Budget announcement, we have received an surge of calls and emails from landowners, farmers and rural families all asking for advice and support.

Inheritance tax changes, the increase in national insurance contributions and the proposal to accelerate the reduction of delinked payments  all are taking their toll on farmers and rural business owners.

Some 58% of people oppose the proposed increase in inheritance tax, while less than one quarter support it, according to a recent CLA / Survation poll of more than 1,000 adults across England’s 100 most rural constituencies.

Even among Labour voters in rural areas, 44% are against the rise, compared to 37% who are in favour.

Farming has always been a high-pressure industry, with fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather and intense physical demands – all of which can have a negative impact on farmers’ mental health, especially in the aftermath of the Budget.

This is a difficult time for many people. I want to take this opportunity to reassure you that we – alongside many other organisations – are working hard behind the scenes to help protect your rural business.

With a long winter and these additional worries, please feel free to call your local CLA office on 01785 337010 for advice.

Sophie Dwerryhouse
CLA Midlands regional director