Wildlife

Wild Corncrake Habitat Recovery Welfare

Corncrakes, once common across British meadows, have been reduced to a few Scottish island strongholds by agricultural intensification, with habitat recovery enabling population rebound.

Key Facts

UK corncrake populations declined 98% in the 20th century due to early silage cutting
Males attract females with loud rasping calls that once characterised summer meadows
Iris beds and tall vegetation provide essential escape cover during early season
Delayed mowing schemes paying farmers to cut from the field centre outward save many birds
RSPB corncrake revival projects in Scotland and Ireland have stabilised populations

Welfare Considerations

Agricultural mechanisation causes mass nest destruction and direct mortality of adults and chicks. Corncrake-friendly mowing practices save thousands of lives per season.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes promoting late mowing and corncrake-friendly practices
Donate to RSPB corncrake conservation projects in stronghold areas
Raise awareness of corncrake recovery as a success achievable through changed farming practices
Advocate for agri-environment funding that incentivises corncrake-friendly meadow management