Wild Corncrake Farming Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Corncrakes have declined dramatically in the UK but targeted farming management is enabling population recovery in remaining strongholds.

Key Facts

Corncrakes declined catastrophically from widespread UK breeding to fewer than 1,000 males by the 1990s
Their breeding is completely dependent on tall grass vegetation cover from arrival through to chick-rearing
Late mowing management preserving vegetation until August allows chick survival and fledging
RSPB corncrake-friendly farming schemes in the Hebrides have driven recovery to over 1,200 males
Corncrakes are migratory and face additional welfare challenges during their African wintering period

Welfare Considerations

Corncrake welfare is entirely linked to farming management timing. Individual birds and nests destroyed by early mowing represent preventable welfare harm. The success of corncrake-friendly farming demonstrates that agricultural management changes can recover declining populations.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB corncrake conservation and the farmers adopting corncrake-friendly management
Advocate for agri-environment scheme payments supporting late mowing in corncrake habitats
Visit Hebridean corncrake sites to experience and support conservation-linked tourism