Trying to measure biodiversity across a working farm hasn’t been easy. We know it matters and we know it needs to be done, but getting data that’s consistent, affordable and scalable has been a long-standing challenge. That’s finally starting to change.
Chirrup.ai, a UK startup turning bird acoustics into biodiversity insights, is showing how that barrier can be removed. Their work highlights how low-cost, scalable sensors can transform a long-standing measurement challenge into something practical, credible and ready for nature-positive farming. Chirrup is proving how sensor innovation can finally make biodiversity accessible, giving farmers and supply chains the clarity they’ve been missing.
Why biodiversity needs a measurement breakthrough
Across the agri-food system, new regulations are pushing companies to monitor and report on nature in their supply chains. The problem? Traditional ecological surveys are too expensive and too slow to work across 80,000+ UK farms, let alone global footprints. So, how do you measure nature at scale, without sending ecologists to every field? Birds might just be the answer.
Birds provide a robust measurement metric for ecosystem health. Chirrup’s small, low-cost device records bird song and their AI model translates audio into biodiversity indicators linked to habitats, soil, water and more. A single run delivers insights no manual survey could match at scale.
Accelerating the product journey
In 2024, Chirrup and the UK Agri-Tech Centre launched ‘ChirrupNano’, using birdsong as a key to unlocking the secrets of wildlife. When Chirrup joined forces with the Centre, their science was strong, but the technology needed maturing. Their device required upgrading, their AI needed validating and their interface still focused on birds rather than broader biodiversity.
The Innovate UK–funded project delivered through the UK Agri-Tech Centre included:
- multi-site trials across the farm network
- farmer feedback on deployment
- data expertise from specialists
- project management for an 18-month timeline
- access to ornithologists and validation partners
- real-world testing beyond desktop design
According to Managing Director Craig Hutchison, it was “a genuine game-changer.”
“Working hand in hand with the UK Agri-Tech Centre allowed us to develop a biodiversity monitoring device and nature intel web-app that is both farmer-friendly and insightful. This, in turn, will allow food companies to support farmers in their nature restoration activities.”
The reality of building sensors for real farms
Chirrup’s development path had its ups and downs. Early subcontractors caused delays and field deployment exposed practical issues such as hardware sensitivity near metal fences and the need for simpler farmer installation. Chirrup adapted by:
- bringing AI development entirely in-house
- partnering with University of Edinburgh on automated training
- expanding validation via multiple ornithologists
- creating rigorous device testing programmes
- redesigning the interface into a full biodiversity dashboard
The outcome?
A validated, IP-ready device and AI model now commercially deployable.
What this unlocks for farmers and supply chains
Chirrup sells primarily to supply chain intermediaries including processors, buyers and retailers, who can deploy monitoring across hundreds of farms. The technology enables:
- Scale: biodiversity data across full supply chains
- Alignment: simple, low-effort evidence for farmers that fits into daily operations
- Value: nature metrics that inform decisions
Farmers gain clear, practical ecological indicators. Biodiversity matters deeply to them; in fact 80% are concerned about nature on their land, more than those prioritising carbon.
A turning point for nature-tech innovation
Chirrup’s journey shows what it takes to make biodiversity monitoring routine:
- low-cost, high-scale sensors
- validation on real farms
- farmer-centred design
- intermediaries driving adoption
- support structures that de-risk innovation
Moving further, faster with less risk
The UK Agri-Tech Centre supports agri-tech businesses accelerate their journey. By giving businesses access to farms, data, expertise and networks, we help turn emerging technologies into market-ready tools.
