The Big Farmland Bird Count is an annual event that encourages farmers and land managers to record the bird species and numbers on their farms. The count aims to raise awareness of the important role that farmers play in helping our farmland birds, and to measure the impact of the conservation work that many farms and estates carry out.
A word from TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson
“The UK has lost more than 70 million wild birds over the last 50 years, with over 60% of farmland birds affected. Farmers have the opportunity to be at the forefront of any efforts to restore those populations. Nature-friendly farming is the way forward, and to make sure we’re getting it right, providing the best habitats and support for our farmland birds, it is important to keep records. Taking part in the Big Farmland Bird Count helps us do exactly that, which is why I will be taking part.”
The North of England team are hosting a Big Farmland Bird Count morning. The morning will consist of a short workshop identifying the key birds likely to be seen and gives the opportunity to ask our Director of Advisory, Dr Roger Draycott, questions about the habitat and conservation measures you can put in place to increase populations on your own sites. We will then head into the field, by kind permission of Allendale Estates, to view an array of habitats, discuss their benefits and view the farmland birds, before heading back inside for a warming cup of soup and a roll.
Places are £10 each which includes refreshments and lunch. The morning is expected to finish around 1pm.