We have always cherished and celebrated our local  wildlife at Albourne Estate and so were delighted recently to be part of the annual Breeding Bird Survey organised by the British Trust for Ornithology.     The Breeding Bird Survey is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds,  producing population trends for 118 bird and nine mammal species.  Every year, amongst many other projects, they survey selected 1km square areas across the UK to monitor bird populations.     It just happens that this year one of the map areas they selected falls within our vineyard.

Two surveys have been conducted – one in April and one in May and we are pleased to see such a number and variety of bird species.    Over 30 species were identified in 2 hours early on a May morning (for the full list see below).    Our range of open fields, vineyard, hedgerows, woody scrub and a lake leads to a fairly broad range of bird species that rely on these type of habitats.  We expect to see a lot more woodland birds in years to come as our newly planted woods develop.

Of particular note was the sighting of the Swallows (which feature on our Sussex Rose wine label) and the large mixed flock of Linnets and Goldfinches which were spotted flying around the vineyard (not yet to feature on a label…but maybe in the future!)

We can’t promise that you will see (or hear) all of these birds if you come for a visit (unless perhaps if you come very early in the morning!) but hopefully you will see a few, especially if you do our self-guided Vineyard Trail.      We are pretty sure you’ll see the Canadian Geese down on our lake which also feature on our Estate Premier Cuvee sparkling wine label.   Unfortunately, no buzzards spotted this time which of course feature on our every popular Bacchus label!  Maybe next time.

Birds seen at Albourne Estate – May 2025

Blackbird
Blackcap
Blue Tit
Bullfinch
Canada Goose
Carrion Crow
Chaffinch
Chiffchaff
Dunnock
Egyptian Goose
Goldfinch
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Tit
Green Woodpecker
Greylag Goose
Jackdaw
Lesser Whitethroat
Linnet
Long-tailed Tit
Magpie
Mallard
Pheasant
Pied/White Wagtail
Robin
Rook
Skylark
Song Thrush
Stock Dove
Swallow
Treecreeper
Whitethroat
Woodpigeon
Wren