Wildlife

Wild Corncrake Chick Welfare: Ireland Recovery Programme

Corncrake recovery in Ireland has been driven by targeted agri-environment measures that protect chicks during hay cutting.

Key Facts

Ireland's corncrake population is concentrated in the west including Donegal and Connacht islands
Corncrake-friendly management payments have reversed decline in Irish strongholds
Late cutting and refuge strips allow chick development before exposure to machinery
Irish corncrake population grew from 150 males in 1993 to over 200 males by recent surveys

Welfare Considerations

Corncrake chicks killed by hay cutting machinery die from traumatic injury. The Irish success story demonstrates that financial support for cutting delay and refuge strips can rapidly reverse population decline with direct welfare benefit for individual birds.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Northern Ireland and BirdWatch Ireland corncrake recovery programmes
Donate to agri-environment corncrake protection payments in Ireland
Advocate for similar cutting payment schemes for corncrake in remaining UK strongholds