Wildlife Conservation

Wild Corn Bunting: Farmland Recovery

Corn buntings have declined by 90% in the UK since the 1970s, driven by agricultural intensification. Targeted agri-environment schemes supporting overwinter stubbles and nesting cover are showing results.

Key Facts

Corn buntings depend on cereal farmland with tall grass field margins for nesting
Loss of overwinter stubbles removed essential food sources through the winter
Nesting in long grass and tall cereal crops makes corn buntings vulnerable to early mowing
Recovery in some areas of southern England follows targeted stewardship scheme uptake
Male corn buntings are polygamous and sing from prominent perches throughout summer

Welfare Considerations

Corn bunting welfare and conservation depend on reversed agricultural intensification trends. Targeted agri-environment funding that creates year-round habitat is demonstrating measurable recovery.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that target corn bunting habitat creation
Record corn bunting sightings through BTO surveys to monitor recovery
Advocate for over-winter stubble retention requirements in agri-environment scheme design