Wildlife

Corn Bunting Conservation: Bare Ground and Stubble Welfare

Overview of corn bunting welfare and conservation as a highly declined farmland bird.

Key Facts

UK corn bunting populations declined by 90% since 1970
Corn buntings depend on open farmland with large bare-ground areas
Loss of spring tillage, bare winter fallows, and weedy field margins are key drivers
Corn buntings have a polygynous mating system with complex territory requirements
Strong agri-environment evidence supports targeted habitat management

Welfare Considerations

Corn bunting welfare depends on large-scale open farmland with specific habitat features including bare ground, weedy margins, and winter stubble. The collapse of this habitat across lowland England has driven catastrophic population decline. Conservation requires landscape-scale agri-environment delivery in areas of remaining population strength. Evidence-based habitat management can support recovery.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and farmland bird conservation organisations
Donate to agri-environment schemes and countryside stewardship support
Advocate for ambitious farmland bird targets in agricultural policy