Wildlife

Wild Corn Bunting Farmland 2026

Current status and conservation of corn buntings in UK farmland in 2026, with ongoing challenges and local successes.

Key Facts

Corn bunting remains one of the most severely declined farmland birds in the UK
Targeted agri-environment management on key farms has stabilized local populations
Male corn buntings are polygynous and need extensive territories with diverse structure
Overwinter food provision including cereal grain strips maintains birds through the season
Remaining populations are fragmented and at risk of local extinction without intervention

Welfare Considerations

Corn bunting welfare depends on farmland managed to provide year-round food and nesting habitat. Individual birds in intensively managed arable areas face chronic food shortage and reproductive failure. Targeted agri-environment investment directly improves welfare in key areas.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes targeting corn bunting habitat in key areas
Advocate for overwinter cereal strips as part of farm payment requirements
Record corn bunting sightings to help track remaining populations