THE Farmers’ Union of Wales is once again joining forces with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to showcase the important role farmers play when it comes to looking after farmland birds, as well as helping farmers understand what they can do on their farms to protect birds.

Arranging a series of events ahead of the Big Farmland Bird Count (February 4-20), the FUW jointly hosted a webinar with the GWCT on February 1.

The North Wales event is held on Thursday, February 3 and is hosted by FUW president Glyn Roberts.

Guest speakers at the webinar, which was chaired by FUW deputy president Ian Rickman, included Matthew Goodall from the GWCT, who talked about the importance of taking part in the Big Farmland Bird Count, the background behind the initiative and how farmland bird numbers can be increased.

FUW senior policy and communications officer Gareth Parry addressed policy issues that affect how we produce food and look after the environment for the benefit of Wales’ bird species and the webinar also heard from Welsh beef and sheep farmer and former FUW Meirionnydd county chairman Geraint Davies, who has previously participated in the Big Farmland Bird Count.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gareth Parry said: “There is little doubt that some agricultural policies have had a direct impact on bird populations since the mid 20th Century and despite efforts to enhance biodiversity and the environment over more recent decades, around a third of bird species in Wales are still thought to be in significant decline due to practices such as undergrazing.

“Nevertheless, the UK’s departure from the European Union allows the Welsh Government to introduce its own agriculture bill based on Wales’ needs and requirements. How can we ensure that future agricultural policies are designed to support family farms in producing sustainable food while simultaneously improving the environment for the benefit of Wales’ bird species?”

FUW deputy president Ian Rickman said: “The aim of the Big Farmland Bird Count is to raise awareness of the great conservation work being done on farms across Wales and to highlight what can be done to help farmland birds survive this difficult time of year so that the breeding populations are increased."

Matthew Goodall added: “There's lots of fantastic work already being done out there on Welsh farms, so a big part of the Big Farmland Bird Count is about collecting that information and showcasing it.

"It’s also a fantastic opportunity to highlight what more can be done for farmland birds, and we’ve got great examples where declines have been reversed alongside productive farming.

"With biodiversity a big part of future payments farms will need to demonstrate what they’ve got, and the Big Farmland Bird Count is a great way to collect that information.”