Wildlife

Wild Corncrake Population Recovery Scotland

Corncrakes have retreated to western Scotland and Ireland due to agricultural intensification, and targeted management is slowly reversing their decline.

Key Facts

Corncrake populations declined by over 90% in the UK during the 20th century
Early silage cutting is the primary cause of nest and chick mortality
RSPB managed croftlands with late cutting have supported population recovery
Male corncrakes call at night and dawn to attract females over considerable distances
Corncrakes winter in sub-Saharan Africa and face threats throughout their range

Welfare Considerations

Corncrake chicks mown before fledging die from blade injury or exposure. Agricultural management that delays cutting until after chick fledging saves individual birds and supports population recovery. Targeted agri-environment payments for late cutting are the primary welfare and conservation tool.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that fund late cutting for corncrakes
Donate to RSPB and local organisations managing corncrake habitats
Advocate for corncrake-friendly management in upland agricultural policy