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Scottish farmers and crofters are being inspired to hitch the Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) which takes place from Februray 2 to 18.
As effectively as offering a vital snapshot of the chicken inhabitants on farms and crofts throughout the UK, the annual depend goals to boost consciousness of the necessary position that farmers, crofters and different land managers play within the conservation of farmland birds.
Since its launch in 2014, the previous decade has seen practically 13,000 chicken counts on farms and crofts throughout the UK.
Organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the BFBC is sponsored by NFU, and NFU Scotland is an official companion.
Martin Kennedy, President of NFU Scotland, mentioned: “Scotland’s farmers and crofters have a fantastic story to tell on food production, lowering emissions and enhancing habitats and biodiversity.
“We need facts and figures to show to everyone the journey that we are on.
“Our farms and crofts are alive with nature, and our stunning birdlife in Scotland is something to be celebrated.
“I would encourage as many farmers and crofters as possible to participate in the 2024 count, record how many bird species you spot on your farm or croft this coming February and submit your results to GWCT.
“This long-running invaluable survey pulls together a vital national snapshot of the state of nation when it comes to our birds. I urge all farmers and crofters to take half-an-hour out of their busy schedules to enjoy and record the incredible birdlife around them.”
Explaining the position of the survey, Dr Louise de Raad, Head of Research Scotland on the GWCT mentioned: “Farmland birds have declined by 63 per cent since 1970 and desperately need our help.
“With 75 per cent of Scotland’s land area used for agriculture, and 72 per cent across the UK as a whole, the key to increasing biodiversity and reversing the decline in wildlife is held by those looking after this land. To figure out how to do this, it is important to have information from long term initiatives such as the BFBC.”
Species guides, together with quick movies, are available at www.bfbc.org.uk
Count sheets will be downloaded from the BFBC web site www.bfbc.org.uk
Count your birds! On any day between 2 and 18 February 2024, spend about half-hour recording the species and variety of birds seen on one specific space of the farm or croft.
Once full, outcomes will be submitted on-line.
