News


Annual bird count highlights conservation efforts on farm


• Farmers helping endangered species


• Rare birds found on region’s farms


• Results show where help is needed


G


rowers and livestock produc- ers are being asked to spend 30 minutes this month record-


ing the farmland birds they see on their land.


The annual Big Farmland Bird Count helps show which bird species are benefi tting from farmers’ conser- vation efforts – while identifying the species most in need of help. Run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, it takes place from 5-14 February. “With 71% of Britain’s countryside looked after by farmers, land manag- ers and gamekeepers, they are crucial to ensuring the survival of cherished bird species like skylarks, yellowham- mers, corn buntings and wild grey par- tridges,” says GWCT organiser Roger Draycott. “Many of them are already doing fantastic work to support and con- serve our native species, including supplementary feeding through win- ter or growing crops specifi cally to pro- vide seed for birds, which often goes un- recognised.”


Important snapshot The Big Farmland Bird Count pro- vides an important national snapshot of the health of the UK’s farmland birds. The NFU is sponsoring the event for


NFU president Minette Batters counts birds on her farm


the third year running to highlight the farming community’s commitment to conserving Britain’s native bird spe- cies.


NFU president Minette Batters


said: “Alongside producing climate- friendly food, farmers are working hard to maintain and improve the iconic Brit- ish countryside by enhancing habitats, supporting pollinators and soils, and protecting wildlife. “The Big Farmland Bird Count is al-


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ways a fantastic way for farmers to re- cord the birdlife found on their farms and last year saw record numbers of farmers braving stormy weather to take part and record many different threat- ened species of farmland birds.” Cambridgeshire farmer Tom Martin said the count was a good way to show how conservation measures affect bird


Many farmers are doing fantastic work to support our bird species


“


populations. “Before I took part, I had no idea how many species of bird called our farm their home, and now I look for- ward to seeing the results each year.”


Farmer support


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More than 1500 farmers and land man- agers took part in last years count. They recorded more than 120 species across 566,000ha. Birds included 25 endan- gered species from the red list for birds of conservation concern. All participates receive a report


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on the national results. Mr Draycott said: “Farmers care for the largest song- bird habitat in this country on their land and it is brilliant to see so many of them committing their spare time to record- ing the bird species they see there.” To take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count, visit www.bfbc.org.uk.


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• Finance from £10k to £5m • Excellent rates • 6 month to 10 year terms • Tax efficient • Simple, quick phone application


• Decision within 24 hours • Bad credit history, large debts – no problem!


• High street banks unsupportive


• Tenant farmers welcome We bring the personal touch back into farm finance.


For the personal touch ring Dean Pollen on 07769 705004 dean.pollen@abfltd.co.uk


FEBRUARY 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 7


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