A recent survey of Welsh farms participating in the Breeding Bird Survey has revealed encouraging signs for several bird species of conservation concern.

The 2024 breeding bird survey, a project between Farming Connect and RSPB Cymru conducted between April and July 2024, identified 49 different bird species across the farms that participate in the Farming Connect Our Farms Network, with an average of 29 species per farm.

The project connected volunteers with farms participating in the Farming Connect Our Farms Network to monitor and survey farmland birds. The project aimed to provide farmers with valuable data to inform their understanding of species on their farms and promote biodiversity within the agricultural landscape, contributing to UK-wide biodiversity monitoring.

Crucially, eight of these species are classified as farmland birds of conservation concern in the UK: House Martin, House Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Partridge, Mistle Thrush, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, and Cuckoo. Their presence on these farms highlights the potential importance of farmland in providing valuable habitat for these birds and how farmland plays a vital role in contributing to biodiversity across Wales.

The reports offer a clear picture of which bird species are present on the farms, their relative abundance, and the distribution of these species across the landscape, while also providing a deeper understanding of the overall wildlife population within the farmed environment, highlighting the diverse roles these species play in maintaining the ecological balance.

These baseline reports will help farmers to understand which species are present on their farms and how they might adapt their practices to safeguard these species or encourage new ones. The data collected will also contribute to a broader understanding of wildlife populations within agricultural settings across Wales.

"With approximately 90 per cent of Wales consisting of farmland, farming practices play a crucial role in the future of many UK wildlife species," said Lynfa Davies, Farming Connect Biodiversity Officer.

"The results of this survey are encouraging and demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts between farmers and volunteers. We hope this information will inspire farmers to provide additional habitat on their farms as they identify actions that they can participate in within the new Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales."

The Volunteer Monitoring Farmland Wildlife (VMFW) Project Team RSPB Cymru said that surveys such as this are imperative for both farmers and organisations such as the RSPB.

"It is a crucial time for farmers to understand the state of biodiversity in their landscape, as both farms and wildlife are facing changes in climate and agriculture,” added Ms Davies.

“Having a wildlife survey empowers the receiver to act by knowing which species are present, why they are present and how they can be encouraged to thrive.”

“Surveys also enable projects such as VMFW to understand what resources are required for farmers to be inspired and informed to take action for wildlife.”

For more information about the breeding bird survey or about any other service available through Farming Connect, visit the website: https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/