Wildlife

Wild UK Cornish Chough 2026

Update on Cornish chough conservation and welfare in 2026, with the small population still at risk.

Key Facts

Cornwall chough population has grown to around 30 birds with improved management
Grazing management on coastal headlands is the critical conservation intervention
Chough pairs are individually monitored and satellite tagged in some cases
Loss of cliff-nesting sites to development remains a potential future threat
Tourism pressure during breeding season requires careful visitor management

Welfare Considerations

Cornish chough welfare in 2026 is better supported by conservation management than at any point since recolonization. With only 30 birds, each individual's welfare matters enormously for population survival. Active habitat management and breeding monitoring protect individual welfare and population recovery.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Cornwall Wildlife Trust chough conservation work
Maintain distance from chough nesting sites during the breeding season
Contribute to chough monitoring by reporting sightings through established schemes