Wildlife

Wild Corn Bunting Decline and Welfare

The corn bunting has declined by 87% since 1970 and is one of the UK's most rapidly declining farmland birds.

Key Facts

Corn buntings declined by 87% in the UK between 1970 and 2017
They require cereal-rich farming with weedy headlands for feeding
Loss of arable weeds and invertebrate-rich margins has driven decline
Males are polygynous and call from prominent perches in farmland
Corn bunting territories require large, connected areas of suitable arable habitat

Welfare Considerations

Corn bunting chicks unable to find adequate invertebrate food in over-intensified farmland face starvation. Adults without access to weedy arable margins have reduced body condition over winter. Agri-environment support for diverse arable margins and reduced agrochemical use addresses the root causes of corn bunting welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes targeting arable bird recovery
Advocate for insect-friendly arable management in agricultural policy
Join farmland bird surveys tracking corn bunting populations