Big Farmland Bird Count

This February, Earth Trust is once again taking part in the Big Farmland Bird Count. Our dedicated team of Land Management Volunteers will be monitoring the fields surrounding the Earth Trust Centre during the 30-minute count, contributing to this vital initiative.

The Big Farmland Bird Count, established by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, provides a simple and effective way for landowners across the UK to measure the impact of their conservation efforts. With more than 2,000 farmers and landowners like us now taking part every year, this survey collects invaluable data that helps track changes in the populations of farmland birds.

Why it matters

The count plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of farmland species, many of which have faced steep declines due to intensive farming practices and habitat loss. By collecting data, we can better understand these trends and adapt conservation methods to support struggling species.

At Earth Trust farm, we’re fortunate to regularly observe a mix of common farmland birds, such as robins and rooks, as well as species listed as Birds of Conservation Concern. Following the highly successful reintroduction of red kites to the Chilterns in the 1990s, they’re now a common sight in the skies above us, so we weren’t surprised to see 14 during the count last year. Other notable sightings on our farm include skylarks, yellowhammers, buzzards and linnets. In total, our team recorded 117 individual birds spanning 21 species, a promising sign that our work to protect their habitats is making a tangible difference. We’re optimistic about this year’s count and hope to spot even more birds, perhaps even some newcomers!

linnet

Skylark biodiversity at earth trust farm

How we support farmland birds

Across Earth Trust farmland, we implement a variety of wildlife-friendly practices to support bird populations, such as:

  • Wildflower margins: These vibrant strips attract insects like beetles and pollinators, which are essential for many birds such as skylarks and starlings. The dense vegetation creates safe spaces for nesting and protection from predators.
  • Hedgerows: Providing berries, seeds, and insects, hedgerows are a vital source of food, whilst also providing shelter and nesting sites. By connecting fragmented habitats, hedgerows act as safe corridors for birds to move across the landscape, helping sustain declining species like linnets, yellowhammers, and thrushes.
  • Owl boxes: Owl boxes around our farm indirectly support farmland birds by encouraging natural pest control. By providing safe nesting sites for barn owls and other owl species, these boxes help sustain owl populations that prey on rodents, reducing competition for seeds and crops.

You can read more about our work to nurture farmland bird habitats here.

 

How you can help

Sponsor groves & hedgerows

Groves, shrubs and hedgerows are the living lungs of our landscape, acting as homes, food sources, and corridors for countless species. From the thousands of shrubs and bushes in our research woodland to the miles of hedgerows on Earth Trust Farm, we’re managing and improving these important, and beautiful habitats.

Help us to look after our precious trees and woodlands, for us and future generations.  

Sponsor a thicket for £30

Sponsor a grove for £75

Sponsor a 1/4 mile of hedgerow for £125

earth trust birdwatching at thrupp lake oxfordshire

Get involved in bird watching

Birdwatching is a fantastic way to connect with nature, whether you’re observing from your window, exploring a local park, or visiting a green space.

For help identifying the birds you’ve seen, the RSPB’s comprehensive guide includes over 400 species, or you can try out their bird song guide.

If you’d like to report your sightings, you can log them using BirdTrack, a collaborative project from some of Britain’s biggest bird conservation groups that looks at bird movement and distribution across Britain and Ireland. BirdTrack allows you to keep your own personal records of sightings, as well as contributing towards wider conservation efforts if you’d like to.

Every entry contributes valuable information to conservation efforts, helping to protect bird populations across the UK and beyond.

Together, we can make a difference for farmland birds. Whether you’re taking part in a bird count, sponsoring a nest box, or simply enjoying the birdsong in your garden, your actions play an important role in caring for our wonderful wildlife.

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