GWCT’s Big Farmland Bird Count Returns in February: How Farmers are Saving Wildlife

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The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is bringing back its Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) in February 2026, a vital event that has been tracking UK farmland bird species since 2014.

Running from February 6 to 22, the count will kick off at the GWCT’s Allerton Project in Loddington, Leicestershire – the same place where it all began.

Joe Stanley, the head of sustainable farming at the Allerton Project, said, “It’s amazing to launch the 2026 BFBC here at the Allerton Project, where for over 30 years we’ve shown how food production and a healthy environment can work together.”

He added, “In just three years, we increased our songbird population by 75%, proving that even on a working, commercial farm, we can make a real difference.”

The BFBC is a valuable tool for farmers and land managers to showcase the positive work they’re doing to help nature thrive on the land. It not only gives a snapshot of the bird populations on UK farmland but also highlights the crucial role farmers play in conserving wildlife.

With over 70% of the UK’s land used for farming, the involvement of farmers is key to reversing the decline in biodiversity. According to the GWCT, farmland bird populations have dropped by 63% since 1970 – a loss of around 70 million birds.

Research from the Allerton Project shows that habitat management and extra feeding can significantly increase bird and mammal numbers.

In 2025, the survey recorded nearly 359,000 birds from 1,332 surveys, with starlings being the most commonly spotted species. A total of 125 species were recorded, including 26 red-listed species.

David Exwood, Deputy President of the NFU, stated, “We are proud to support the Big Farmland Bird Count again this year. It’s a fantastic event that gives us a unique insight into the state of farmland birds across the UK. British farmers are the custodians of our landscapes, and their dedication to preserving habitats, whether by planting hedgerows or protecting existing environments, is clear in all they do.”

Participants in the BFBC can log their bird sightings using the new PerdixPro BFBC app or the traditional paper count sheet.