Wildlife

UK Chough Conservation and Coastal Cliffs

Conservation of choughs in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland and their welfare needs in coastal habitats.

Key Facts

Choughs are confined to coastal clifftops in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in the UK
They feed on invertebrates in short, heavily grazed grassland above cliffs
UK chough population is around 400 pairs, with Wales holding the most significant numbers
Loss of traditional grazing on clifftops threatens chough feeding habitat
Red-billed choughs are the emblem of Cornwall despite now being absent there

Welfare Considerations

Individual choughs depend on short-grazed coastal grassland for invertebrate foraging, with traditional livestock grazing management directly influencing their welfare and survival.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB chough conservation in Wales and Scotland
Advocate for continued traditional grazing management on coastal clifftops
Visit Ramsey Island or the Llyen Peninsula to see chough colonies