Wildlife Welfare

Wild Corncrake Ireland Recovery Welfare

Corncrake recovery in Ireland through agri-environment schemes demonstrates how targeted farming practice changes improve individual bird welfare.

Key Facts

Ireland holds the majority of the remaining corncrake population in Western Europe
Agri-environment scheme payments incentivise late mowing and uncut grass strips
Corncrake numbers in Ireland have stabilised after decades of decline
The characteristic rasping call is now heard across fewer landscapes each year
Nest protection is critical during the late June to August chick rearing period

Welfare Considerations

Individual corncrakes whose nests are destroyed by early mowing lose their entire seasonal breeding investment and may lose their lives if trapped in machinery. Conservation management that changes mowing timing and maintains uncut refuge areas directly prevents these deaths and welfare harms. Each successful corncrake breeding season enabled by appropriate agri-environment management represents improved individual welfare.

What You Can Do

Support National Parks and Wildlife Service corncrake conservation
Advocate for agri-environment payment for late mowing in corncrake areas
Report corncrake calling to population monitoring schemes