Wildlife

Wild Corncrake Farming and Welfare

The corncrake has declined dramatically in the UK but is recovering in traditional farming areas, where sympathetic grassland management is essential for breeding welfare.

Key Facts

UK corncrake populations plummeted from over 1 million pairs in the 19th century to under 1,500 calling males today
Corncrakes breed in tall grassland and iris beds in western Scotland and Ireland
Delayed cutting of hay meadows until August protects nesting females and chicks
Corncrake-friendly cutting techniques moving from the centre outward allow escape
RSPB and Scottish Government agri-environment schemes incentivise corncrake-friendly farming

Welfare Considerations

Corncrake welfare depends entirely on sympathetic management of traditional farming systems. Agri-environment payments to farmers make species recovery economically viable.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that fund corncrake-friendly meadow management
Visit designated corncrake areas responsibly and listen for calling males
Advocate for continuation of corncrake-specific agri-environment funding