Big Farmland Bird Count 

Youngsters are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – the annual national census of farmland birds.

Organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the bird count provides vital data to help scientists and conservationists understand which species are in trouble and how they can be helped.

Bigger and better

The two-week count for 2025 kicks off on Friday, 7 February. The GWCT says it hopes to make this year’s count bigger and better than ever – and is asking for all the family to be involved.

As well as providing snapshot of the bird population on UK farms, the count aims to raise awareness of the role that farmers and other land managers play in the conservation of farmland birds.

“We would love to see more of our younger generation taking part, so if you are a farmer, ranger, game or forester, why not see if you can get some help from  your children, grandchildren or younger friends and family.”

To encourage younger bird spotters, the GWCT has have updated its Big Farmland Bird Count website with some easy-to-use guides and count sheets. These are freely available to download.

Citizen science

Farmland birds have declined by 63% since 1970 and need help to reverse the trend. The key to doing this, and increasing biodiversity, is held by the people who are responsible for the 72% of the UK’s land which is used for agriculture.

TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson highlighted the importance of the Big Farmland Bird Count by featuring it on BBC One Countryfile last year. Farmers have the opportunity to be at the forefront of any efforts to restore those populations.

Way forward

“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.”

Last year’s survey saw 395,000 birds spotted. A total of 140 species were recorded with the most common species seen were starling, woodpigeon and fieldfare.

Some 27 species were red-listed. The most abundant red list species were starling, linnet, fieldfare and lapwing, while the rarest sightings were of snow bunting, rock pipit, merlin, greenshank, golden eagle and Bittern.

GWCT conservationist Roger Draycott says: “The Big Farmland Bird Count is the first and only UK-wide citizen science project to involve land managers in monitoring the state of farmland birds.

“Since the count started in 2014, it has helped us understand how wildlife is doing on our land, and it gives us a national snapshot of the state of nation when it comes to our farmland birds.”

For full details and to take part, visit www.bfbc.org.uk

Top speakers for Norfolk Farming Conference

Tickets are now on sale for next month’s Norfolk Farming Conference – due to take place on 11 February at the Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich.

Key topics

Chaired by AgriTechE director Belinda Clarke, the conference will discuss three key topics: the changing requirements of the food supply chain; biosecurity for plants and animals; and auditing the land for food production and the environment.

The event will include the launch of the annual Norfolk Rural Business Awards – designed to recognise the essential nature and huge importance of Norfolk’s farmers, rural communities and businesses to the region.

Speakers from the food supply chain will include Vidyanath Gururajan (Branston produce), Ash Gilman (Cranswick) and Debbie Sparkes (Diageo).

Biosecurity speakers will include Prof Jonathan Jones (The Sainsbury Laboratory) and experts from Defra and APHA.

Afternoon session will include presentations from Peter Craven (Natural England), Charles Godfray (Oxford Martin School), Diana Overton (Frontier) and Archie Buggles-Rise (Spains Hall Estate).

Agriculture, forestry and fishing is Norfolk’s fourth largest sector, accounting for 8% of all businesses. They are linked to many other thriving businesses in the county.

For full details and tickets, please visit

norfolkfarmingconference.co.uk