Scottish Corncrake project reaches milestone thanks to farmer efforts - RSPB

A pioneering project in Scotland is celebrating a 2,000 hectare milestone for the benefit of Corncrakes, a rare and elusive bird that is threatened across the UK.

• The Corncrake Calling project is celebrating reaching a milestone of 2,000 hectares of Corncrake habitat created across the Hebridean Islands, a stronghold for the species.
• Farmers, crofters and local communities have been crucial to creating this Corncrake friendly habitat, including areas of tall vegetation and adopting suitable mowing schedules, as part of an effort to help the threatened birds
• This year has also marked the 10th anniversary of the return of Corncrakes to Rathlin Island, the last known breeding area in Northern Ireland, as a result of dedicated habitat management by RSPB staff, volunteers and local farmers.

A pioneering project in Scotland is celebrating a 2,000 hectare milestone for the benefit of Corncrakes, a rare and elusive bird that is threatened across the UK. Helping to build a brighter future for the special bird, the Corncrake Calling project has been bringing together farmers and crofters, local communities and conservationists in an effort to reverse the species’ decline.

Led by RSPB Scotland and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the four-year Corncrake Calling project has delivered essential conservation work to help Corncrakes and other wildlife, while bolstering the unique culture of rural Scottish communities.

Once widespread across the UK, Corncrake populations have fallen dramatically. As a red listed species, in Scotland they are now found only on some islands and parts of the north-west coast, while Rathlin Island is the last known breeding area for Corncrake in Northern Ireland. While changes in farming methods over time have meant that much of their UK-wide breeding habitat has been lost, farmers, crofters and landowners are now working alongside conservationists as part of the Corncrake Calling project to help make a difference for the species.