Wildlife Welfare

Wild Corncrake Farming Welfare

Corncrakes are critically dependent on specific farming practices for nesting success. Welfare-conscious farming approaches protect both individual birds and a species on the edge of extinction.

Key Facts

UK corncrake population is reduced to a few hundred pairs mainly in Scottish islands
Late mowing and outside-in mowing patterns prevent nest destruction during breeding
Corncrakes nest in hay meadows and require late-cut grass management
Species conservation payment schemes compensate farmers for welfare-friendly practices
Chick welfare during mowing is protected by mowing direction management

Welfare Considerations

Corncrake welfare is directly affected by farming practices, with inappropriate mowing causing direct death and nest destruction. Targeted farming changes protect individual birds while contributing to species survival.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes funding corncrake-friendly farming
Advocate for farming policy that supports corncrake conservation in Scotland
Learn about corncrake ecology and the farming practices that protect them
Support conservation organisations working with farmers on corncrake management