Wildlife

Wild Cornish Chough: Recovery and Welfare at Nest Sites

The Cornish chough has successfully recolonised Cornwall after absence, with active nest protection ensuring breeding welfare.

Key Facts

Choughs returned to Cornwall naturally in 2001 after 50+ years absence
Short turf maintained by cattle grazing provides essential invertebrate foraging habitat
Nest sites require active protection from disturbance during the breeding season
Current Cornwall population has grown to over 20 pairs from initial recolonisers

Welfare Considerations

Chough nesting pairs are highly sensitive to human disturbance during incubation. Nest failures caused by disturbance cause direct welfare harm to abandoned eggs and young. Grazing management that maintains short sward dramatically improves foraging welfare.

What You Can Do

Respect exclusion zones around chough nest sites during breeding season
Support National Trust and RSPB chough monitoring and grazing management
Advocate for traditional livestock grazing on coastal grassland habitats