Corncrakes are highly secretive migratory birds whose welfare and conservation depend on late-cut meadow management across their breeding range.
The primary welfare threats to corncrakes are mechanical mowing mortality and loss of suitable habitat. Birds and chicks sheltering in cut meadows face direct mortality from machinery. Late or centre-out mowing allows escape to adjacent habitat. Loss of traditional hay meadow management removes the vegetation structure corncrakes require for concealment. Climate change is also affecting emergence timing of preferred food invertebrates.