Corncrake: Grassland Welfare Recovery Science

Key Welfare Facts

Corncrakes almost disappeared from mainland Britain due to early silage cutting that destroyed nests and killed chicks.
They declined from tens of thousands to under 1,000 calling males in the UK by the early 1990s.
Recovery through agri-environment incentives for late cutting and corncrake-friendly farming has stabilised populations.
Their welfare depends on tall vegetation including iris beds, nettles, and early-season ungrazed areas for cover.
Male territorial calls are energetically costly, with males calling continuously through summer nights.
Irish and Scottish populations have stabilised but remain highly dependent on targeted agri-environment payments.

Welfare Assessment

Corncrake welfare has improved dramatically through targeted agri-environment support for late mowing and suitable vegetation cover. Supporting these schemes and choosing food from farms in corncrake areas participating in conservation management directly funds their recovery.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes funding late mowing and corncrake-friendly grassland management
Choose food from farms in corncrake areas participating in conservation management schemes
Donate to organisations monitoring and managing corncrake recovery across Ireland and Scotland
Advocate for continuation of agri-environment payments that have delivered this recovery