Efforts to increase corncrake populations in the west and north west of Ireland are working, new data shows.
The national corncrake population is up by 15 birds this year, up 7% on 2023 figures.
Corncrake territories recorded in the core breeding areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway have increased by 45% on 2018 baseline figures. Almost 1,500 hectares of land is now being managed by 250 farmers and landowners to conserve the corncrake.
Despite increases in population, the birds remain vulnerable and at risk.
The Corncrake LIFE project has been taking place in six catchments across Donegal’s coastline: Malin Head, Fanad Head, Meenlaragh to Marblehill, Inishbofin & Inishdooey, Tory Island and West Donegal.
Corncrakes are shy and secretive farmland birds. Their distinctive call is a feature in some parts of the north and west coasts of Ireland, but was once widespread across the countryside.
Since 2021, the Corncrake/Traonach LIFE Project, a five-year project funded through the EU LIFE Programme and led by the NPWS has been working on a number of measures to prevent the decline of the corncrake.
Corncrake conservation measures involve proactive planning with farmers in the breeding areas primarily on the north and west coast, as well as reactive measures where birds establish in new locations. Data from the project shows a number of measures which are effective in improving the bird’s habitat. For example, the creation of large patches of nettles or crops for them to hide in and delaying grass mowing into mid-August enable them to raise broods of chicks in safety. Studies show that mowing fields from the ‘centre–out’ rather than from the ‘outside- in’ can reduce chick mortality by up to 60%.
Ciaran Reaney, who co-ordinates the NPWS Corncrake survey, commented: “Despite a very cold and damp June, the birds were reasonably active but our survey teams had to work hard to find the birds and confirm their territories later into the summer than expected. We are now regularly finding birds in new locations like in Co. Kerry and farmers and landowners who have not heard the bird in many years have been very receptive to working with us to protect the nesting corncrakes. There is still such a grá for the corncrake in Ireland that many farmers are willing to delay grass mowing in an attempt to save them and have them return”.
Dr. John Carey, who manages the Corncrake LIFE project, said: “This summer was very tough on a lot of wildlife, with a notable drop in insect numbers which can have a devastating downstream effect on birds like corncrakes. However, what is clear is that the exceptional effort being made by farmers and landowners is having a positive impact and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. The key now is to keep it all going.”
