The UK Big Farmland Bird Count was completed in February this year and showed a 65 per cent increase in the number of counts submitted compared to 2020.
The annual nationwide survey, organised by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and sponsored by the NFU, highlighted how farmers have shown their commitment to bird conservation as part of their daily farming methods.
A total of 25 species from the Red List for Birds of Conservation Concern were recorded in this year’s count. Of these starlings, fieldfare, lapwing and linnet were for four most recorded red-listed species with more than 112,000 spotted in total.
Organisations including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds recognise the vital role farmers and land managers have in conserving and enhancing wildlife habitats – with more than 60 of the charity’s nature reserves relying on farming.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “These results are tremendous and I would like to thank all those farmers who responded to this year’s count in record numbers despite the wintry weather back in February.
“British farmers are proud to produce your food and it is often unappreciated that they also provide habitats for wildlife and additional feeding for farmland birds during the winter months.”
GWCT’s Dr Roger Draycott, who organised the count said the organisation could not be more delighted with the response and increased participation with 81 per cent more birds counted this year.
“It clearly shows that farmers, land managers and gamekeepers care for the land they work and given that they look after 71 per cent of all the land in the UK, that is extremely good news for the future of our treasured bird species,” he added.
LSL News.