Wildlife

UK Corn Bunting Conservation and Arable Farming

Conservation of corn buntings in UK arable farmland and the management practices supporting their recovery.

Key Facts

Corn bunting populations declined by over 90% between 1970 and 2010 in England
Males sing from prominent perches like fence posts or telephone wires
Winter stubbles and autumn-sown cereals provide essential food resources
Conservation on lowland arable farms in agri-environment schemes has stabilised some populations
Scotland holds a significant proportion of the UK breeding population

Welfare Considerations

Individual corn buntings face welfare pressures from food shortage and loss of nesting habitat in intensive arable landscapes, requiring farmland management to support survival.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes targeting corn bunting on arable farms
Advocate for winter stubble retention requirements in farm support policy
Report corn bunting sightings to county bird recording groups