Wildlife

Wild Corn Bunting Farmland Recovery

Conservation efforts to support corn buntings in UK farmland after severe population declines.

Key Facts

Corn bunting populations have declined by 90% since the 1970s in the UK
Loss of winter stubbles and spring-sown cereals is the primary driver of decline
Corn buntings need seeds, insects, and tussocky grasses through the breeding season
Agri-environment schemes supporting corn bunting habitat have reversed declines on managed farms
Males are polygynous, maintaining territories that need diverse habitat types

Welfare Considerations

Corn bunting welfare is closely tied to farmland management. Individual birds in intensively managed arable areas face food shortage and reproductive failure. Agri-environment schemes that restore suitable habitat directly improve welfare for this increasingly rare farmland bird.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that target farmland bird habitat in key areas
Advocate for overwinter stubble requirements in farm payment systems
Record corn bunting sightings to help track population recovery