Corncrake numbers soar on Canna - National Trust for Scotland

A promising increase in the corncrake population has been recorded on Canna, after years of low numbers on the island – an important step forward in the conservation of this endangered bird.

The Trust recorded at least 12–14 calling males on Canna this year, which is the first time we have conducted formalised corncrake monitoring on the island for many years. Data collected by Bob Swann from the Highland Ringing Group over the last few decades demonstrated a worrying trend of just 1 or 2 corncrakes on Canna in many seasons, so these new figures are a very welcome increase.

The growing corncrake population on Canna can be largely attributed to high nature value farming practices that support the conservation of this species. Once prevalent across the UK, corncrake numbers have been in long-term decline due to the intensification of agricultural methods. Because of this decline, corncrakes are one of the 26 priority species identified in our Plan for Nature, announced earlier this year. We are working with crofters and farmers, and managing land directly, to increase the corncrake population to 50 calling males on Trust land, which would account for approximately 6% of the current UK population.

Canna has five designated areas of farmland for corncrakes, which are managed by Geraldine MacKinnon and the island farming team, with support from Tom Allen, the Trust’s ranger on Canna. The team undertakes farming practices to benefit biodiversity, which includes strategies to support breeding corncrakes.