Wildlife Welfare

Wild Corncrake Conservation and Welfare

Corncrakes are critically declining farmland birds whose welfare depends on sympathetic agricultural management during their breeding season.

Key Facts

UK corncrake population has declined from thousands to fewer than 1,000 calling males
Corncrakes nest in hay meadows and are killed in large numbers by early silage cutting
Delayed mowing from the field edges inward allows families to escape to field boundaries
Agri-environment scheme payments for late mowing have stabilised some populations
RSPB works with crofters in Scotland and Ireland on corncrake-friendly management

Welfare Considerations

Corncrake chicks and incubating females are killed directly by mechanical harvesting at high rates in conventional farming. Management changes that are simple and financially supported can dramatically reduce this mortality, making farm management the key welfare lever for this species.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that fund corncrake-friendly late mowing
Advocate for corncrake protection requirements in agricultural support payments
Visit RSPB reserves in Scotland where corncrake management is practiced