Let’s shout about all the good work done on shoots and farms, with the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count

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2023 is the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count’s tenth birthday and its founder Jim Egan, is encouraging land managers to take part. He said:

“Understand that what you do makes a difference and gives the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) a superb opportunity to shout about all the good work done on shoots and farms.”

The GWCT’s Dr Roger Draycott, who now runs the count, agreed:

“In the ten years since the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count began, the commitment shown by an ever-growing number of game keepers and farmers to supporting and monitoring birds and other wildlife is inspiring and should be celebrated.”

The tenth GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count takes place between 3 and 19 February. People are being asked to take just 30 minutes to count the birds they see on their land, then submit their results to the GWCT. Counting allows shoots to measure the impact of the conservation work that so many of them carry out. And the nationwide voluntary effort enables the GWCT to build a picture of the status of the UK’s farmland bird species.

The GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count is, said Roger, “not just for farmers”.

“It is a great way for shoots to demonstrate what they do to support wild birds as well as game, which is often unrecognised by the wider public, and for us to show our appreciation for all those gamekeepers, farmers and other land managers who work so hard.”

Why get involved?

More than one in four of the UK’s bird species is in serious trouble, according to the most recent assessment of the status of the UK’s birds, the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) list (2021).

“We will not halt the alarming declines of species such as curlew and skylarks if we leave it to nature reserves and national parks alone,” commented Roger. “72% of the UK’s countryside is managed by farmers, game keepers and land managers, so it is vital that we are all engaged in the effort to reverse biodiversity decline.”

“A few small changes can make a big difference,” said GWCT Game & Wildlife Advisor Amber Lole.

With responsibility for so much of the UK’s land area, private land managers can make an enormous difference to the future of our wild birds.

“Modern farming methods mean that there is often not enough natural food for wildlife left in the countryside in late winter and early spring, causing what is known as the ‘hungry gap’,” continued Amber. “One of the best things you can do to support farmland birds is to provide extra winter seed food.  Supplementary feeding is particularly beneficial for birds of conservation concern like grey partridge, yellowhammer and corn bunting.”

The use of ‘conservation headlands’ – wide field margins where little or no pesticides are used – is also very good for farmland birds. Allowing broad-leaved weeds to flourish boosts insect populations which are a key food-source for birds. Planting and managing hedgerows also provides crucial food, as well as nesting habitat and a safe haven from predators.

GWCT advisors encourage land managers to maintain small wet areas around the farm or shoot to help attract wading birds. Leaving an area of uncropped, cultivated land can also provide suitable nesting and foraging areas for birds which prefer to forage on open ground, such as the red-listed lapwing, skylark, stone curlew and turtle dove.

Find more advice on supporting wild birds, and on taking part in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count at bfbc.org.uk