Crofters and farmers in Caithness are encouraged to participate in a bird count to support conservation efforts on their land
The annual Big Farmland Bird Count has been running for a decade. It helps track which bird species are struggling and which ones are thriving thanks to conservation efforts.
This year, the count is coordinated by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). They’re reaching out to farmers, crofters, and land managers who care about wildlife. Unlike the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, this count focuses on managed land.
In 2024, nearly 395,000 birds were spotted across the UK. The most common species included starlings and woodpigeons. In Scotland alone, 101 counts were completed, recording over 19,000 birds and 88 species.
The next count kicks off on February 7 and runs for two weeks. GWCT hopes to make this year’s event even bigger and more family-friendly.
To get kids interested, GWCT is offering easy-to-use guides and count sheets on their website. Outgoing NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy emphasized the importance of farmers and crofters in showcasing their role in food production and biodiversity.
He urged everyone to participate in the count and share their findings. The count not only provides a snapshot of bird populations but also highlights the vital role of land managers in conservation.
With farmland bird populations declining by 63% since 1970, it’s crucial for those managing agricultural land to step up. Ross MacLeod from GWCT noted that this citizen science project is the first of its kind in the UK, giving a national overview of farmland birds.
By spending just half an hour counting birds, participants can help build a clearer picture of which species need support. For more details on how to get involved, check out www.bfbc.org.uk.
