Wildlife

Corn Bunting Welfare in Arable Farmland

The corn bunting has undergone one of the steepest population declines of any UK farmland bird. Restoration of insect-rich crops and winter seed food is critical for this species welfare.

Key Facts

UK corn bunting numbers have fallen by 90% since the 1970s
They require open arable farmland with tall cereal crops for nesting
Chick diet depends on invertebrates found in traditionally managed spring crops
Loss of winter stubbles has removed critical winter seed food sources
Populations are now largely restricted to eastern England, Orkney, and parts of Wales

Welfare Considerations

Corn bunting welfare is critically linked to the availability of invertebrates in spring cereal crops and weed seeds in winter stubbles. Agricultural intensification has removed both. Late-cut hay meadows and spring-sown crops without insecticide applications benefit chick food supply. Winter stubble retention provides seed food essential for winter survival. Without targeted agri-environment support for these measures, corn bunting populations cannot recover.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that include corn bunting-specific actions
Participate in RSPB and BTO corn bunting monitoring surveys
Encourage farmers to retain winter stubbles and maintain spring crops without insecticides
Donate to organisations researching corn bunting recovery in key areas