Endangered Corncrakes return to Skye as crofters help boost population

Endangered birds that were teetering on the brink of extinction are being heard in greater numbers thanks to the efforts of crofters.

Corncrakes saw a dramatic fall in their numbers in the 20th century.

The Isle of Skye is now one of only a handful of islands where the birds can still be found in Scotland, with their ‘crex, crex’ call one of the most distinctive sounds on the island.

And now, the population has returned to the island for this year’s breeding season.

The Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership – which also includes RSPB Scotland, NFUS, SCF, crofters, farmers, conservationists and the local community, say they are seeing signs of success, with the number of calling males on Skye in 2024 up on the previous year.

Corncrakes rely on tall vegetation for cover and key land management changes made by crofters and farmers on the island have given the elusive brown birds – who tend to be heard but not seen – a much-needed boost.

Janette Sutherland, senior consultant and area manager of SAC Consulting in Portree, said: “It is really encouraging that numbers were up on Skye in 2024, with 27 calling males recorded – an increase on the number in 2023.

“Corncrakes use tall vegetation to provide themselves with cover and there are two key ways that crofters can help them.

“They can delay their mowing of silage or hay until August, when most second broods will have hatched, and they can also use wildlife friendly mowing practices – cutting out from the middle and allowing the corncrakes to reach the edges of the fields without breaking cover of the uncut longer vegetation.

“What crofters and farmers have been doing does definitely seem to be making a difference and this is a great example of how they have come to the aid of an endangered species just when they need our help most. It was rewarding for the crofters and farmers who willingly signed up to do their bit for corncrakes that numbers showed such a big increase.”

Endangered corncrakes have returned to Skye SAC Consulting

The Corncrake Calling project, led by RSPB Scotland and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, provided funds for the Corncrake Initiative, a scheme which pays crofters and farmers to delay mowing until August when the first brood of chicks will have hatched.

Corncrakes head some 6,000 miles on an indirect route to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa each winter, a journey that can take them up to two months.

Those that survive their travels tend to return to Skye and other Scottish sites in April, finding refuge in rougher vegetation along sheltered ditches and walls until meadow grasses begin to grow.

Their maximum lifespan is only three years, so a successful breeding season is crucial for the species’ long-term survival.

Skye crofters and farmers who adapt their working practices to help benefit the environment can be supported via the Corncrakes Initiative and the Scottish Government’s Agri Environment Climate Scheme.

Janette added: “The late cutting and the wildlife friendly mowing practices are not what crofters would normally choose to do – cutting from the middle, for example, would go against their instincts and use more fuel. However, what they are doing for the corncrakes on Skye hopefully means a familiar sound of summer on the island can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.”