Time to take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count

Farmers, gamekeepers and landowners are being encouraged to take part in the 2017 Big Farmland Bird Count.

The survey takes place between Friday 3 February and Sunday 12 February and is the fourth annual count, coordinated by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

The survey provides an opportunity to demonstrate the benefit of conservation schemes being managed by landowners such as supplementary feeding or growing wild bird seed and game cover crops.

Recording sheets are available to download from the GWCT website and results can either be submitted online or returned by post.

The survey asks participants to find a location on the farm with a good view of around two hectares and spend 30 minutes recording the species seen such as skylarks, yellowhammers, corn buntings and grey partridges as well as the number of birds present. A few details about the habitat and cropping around the site will also need to be noted.

Free ID guides are available to download from www.gwct.org.uk