Save the Date: 6 – 22 February 2026
The national annual census of farmland birds, run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and supported by NFU Scotland, is returning in February next year and has moved to a new digital platform making it even easier than before to take part.
The concept for the Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC), which provides a snapshot of the UK’s winter farmland bird populations, was conceived by our conservationists more than ten years ago. The first count was held in February 2014 and has been repeated every year since.
For the past decade it has been providing vital data which has helped us to understand which species of farmland birds are in the most serious trouble and how we can help them. Many of them have been in decline for the past 50 years, but there are ways in which we can help them during the winter months when food is scarce and temperatures drop. This is exactly what the BFBC tries to highlight.
The 2026 count begins on Friday 6th February and runs for two weeks, until Sunday 22nd February. We hope to make next year bigger and better than ever and are encouraging agricultural colleges and universities to get involved.
As well as providing an overview of the bird populations on our farms, the BFBC aims to raise awareness of the important role that farmers and other land managers play in the conservation of our native farmland birds.
No specialist knowledge is necessary, just the willingness to spend half an hour on the edge of a field to observe the birds around you. The GWCT will be running bird ID workshops before the count, in Fife and Aberdeenshire, and participants can also use tools such as the free Merlin Bird ID app to help them.
Next year, all data will be recorded on the PERDIXPro Fieldbook app. This will make the process of recording your results much simpler and farmers, crofters, rangers, game or forest keepers, ornithologists and other bird enthusiasts taking part can input counts either instantly as they record out in the field, or back inside from the comfort of their own home. The app can be downloaded onto any mobile phone or tablet. There is still the option of filling in a paper version of the count sheet, and either sending it to us, or inputting it yourself later.
All the details of how to take part, bird identification guides and count sheets, are available on the Big Farmland Bird Count website.
Keeping records
Farmland birds have declined by 63% since 1970 – that equates to 70 million birds in the past 50 years – and more than 60% of farmland birds have been affected by the declines.
They need our help if we are going 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.
GWCT research has shown that by managing our land in a way that provides suitable habitat, such as sympathetic hedgerow management and supplementary feeding through semi-natural habitats and feeders, we can increase both the numbers and species of birds and mammals across farms and agricultural land. To show and prove that these measures are working, keeping regular records of our work and the species and numbers of birds that live there are vital.
Fiona Torrance, Farmland Biodiversity Advisor for GWCT Scotland, says: “The Big Farmland Bird Count is a great opportunity to demonstrate the value that Scotland’s farmland habitats have for biodiversity.
“By taking part, not only do participants get a better understanding of what species are utilising their habitats, but it also raises awareness of the valuable work undertaken by land managers across the country.
“Collecting data is also vital if we want to demonstrate that agri-environmental measures do work, and if we want to see nature thrive, species recover and a reverse in the decline of farmland birds, farmers need to be properly funded to carry out this important work.”
BFBC 2025 Results
During this year’s count back in February, 13,345 birds were spotted during 72 surveys across Scotland. A total of 97 different species were recorded and of those, 19 were red-listed, totalling 3,667 individuals. The most abundant red list species were lapwing.
Around 58% of farms participating provided supplementary feeding to help their birds through winter, and 29% of participants were in agri-environment schemes.
Lorna Scott, senior policy manager for NFU Scotland, says: “The Big Farmland Bird Count again highlights the crucial role Scotland’s farmland habitats play in supporting biodiversity.
“Farmers and crofters care deeply for the wildlife their land supports, whether through agri-environment schemes or measures they deliver voluntarily, and their willingness to learn how land management practices could benefit species demonstrates that productive agriculture and nature can work hand in hand.
“We must continue to back land managers with strong advice that is practical and delivers for biodiversity, informed by data such as from the Big Farmland Bird Count, and with properly funded agricultural support.”
Practical BFBC workshops
To help participants identify the birds they see, the GWCT will be running workshops in Fife and Aberdeenshire in the weeks leading up to the count. These workshops will include advice and tips on how to identify birds you may come across, how to collect and submit your records and will be followed by a short farm walk where you can put your new skills into practice.
Workshop Dates:
Balgonie Farm, Fife: Monday 2nd February 09.30-12.00
Auchnerran Farm, Aberdeenshire: Friday 6th February 09.30-12.00
Find out how to get involved in the GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count, 6 – 22 February 2026, at www.bfbc.org.uk where downloadable bird guides and other advice are also available.