Wildlife

Corn Bunting Welfare: Arable Farmland in Scotland

The corn bunting has declined catastrophically across much of Britain and now survives mainly in arable areas of eastern Scotland, where targeted conservation is essential for its welfare.

Key Facts

UK corn bunting populations have declined by around 90% since the 1970s
Scotland now holds the core of the British population in Aberdeenshire, Angus and Lothian
They require winter stubble fields for seed food and uncut grass margins for nesting
Males are polygynous and can have up to 3-4 mates in good habitat

Welfare Considerations

Loss of mixed arable farming with winter stubble fields has removed critical winter food. Changes to grass cutting timing and intensity have reduced nesting habitat. The species has contracted to a few strongholds and local extinctions occur without active conservation. Welfare and survival depend on continuation of agri-environment scheme payments for corn bunting-friendly arable practices.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes funding winter stubble and grass margins for corn buntings
Record corn bunting sightings and submit to BTO and Scottish Bird Records
Advocate for continuation of corn bunting-specific agri-environment options in Scotland
Donate to RSPB Scotland and Scottish Wildlife Trust working on farmland bird conservation