The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is urging farmers and growers to become involved with the 2024 Big Farmland Bird Count.
Organised by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the rely takes place between February 2-18, 2024 and goals to supply a snapshot of the well being of farmland birds.
This yr marks the eleventh anniversary of the annual survey, which is the primary nationwide citizen science venture to contain farmers in monitoring the state of farmland songbirds.
The rely goals to lift consciousness of the vital position farmers play within the conservation of farmland birds, and to measure the affect of the conservation work that many farmers and wildlife managers perform.
NFU president Minette Batters described farmers and growers as “the custodians of the great British Countryside [who] work hard to boost biodiversity, create habitats for wildlife and provide additional feeding for farmland birds”.
“I might encourage as many farmers and growers as attainable to take part within the 2024 rely, report what number of farmland chook species you see on farm and, importantly, submit your outcomes to GWCT.
“This is always absolutely crucial in pulling together a vital national snapshot of the state of nation when it comes to our farmland birds.”
Big Farmland Bird Count
To participate, farmers ought to obtain a rely sheet and rely birds on someday between February 2-18 and spend round half-hour recording the species and variety of birds that may be seen on one specific space of their farm.
Once accomplished, the rely outcomes will be submitted on-line for the GWCT.
Dr Roger Draycott from the GWCT mentioned: “Farmland birds have declined by 63% since 1970 and desperately want our assist.
“With 72% of the UK’s land area used for agriculture, the key to increasing biodiversity and reversing the decline in wildlife is held by those looking after this land.”
