Corncrakes were sighted on the Aran Islands for the first time in over 25 years this summer as the bird’s population continues to rebound in the west.
The latest survey from the National Parks and Wildlife Service shows an increase of 35% in the corncrake population in the past five years.
The numbers of corncrakes recorded in the core breeding areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway have increased by 15% since 2022.
Corncrakes are shy and secretive farmland birds. Their distinctive call is a feature of the north and west coasts of Ireland.
The corncrake is listed on the Red list of Conservation Concern, given significant decreases in both numbers and range in Ireland and other European countries.
A five year programme to prevent the decline of the species’ population was set up in 2021, the Corncrake/Traonach LIFE Project, which is funded through the EU and coordinated by the NPWS.
Responding to the survey findings, Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said that it was fantastic to see this biodiversity intervention working.
“The increase from 161 to 218 birds in just five years is remarkable and a testament to the hard work and commitment of so many, not least the farmers and communities at the heart of the effort.”
“This demonstrates that the collaborative approach being championed by the Corncrake LIFE team and the NPWS Corncrake Conservation Programme is not only effective, but welcomed.”
Conservation measures undertaken in the programme include targeted grants and schemes to incentivise farmers to protect the bird and their habitats.
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.
Ciaran Reaney who co-ordinates the NPWS Corncrake Conservation Programme said, “This summer we had a corncrake on the Aran Islands in Co. Galway for the first time in over 25 years and the farmers on the island couldn’t have been more helpful.”
“I think people have a real grá for the corncrake and want to hear it back in our landscape,” he added.
As the birds spread their wings into new areas around Ireland, the NPWS and the LIFE project are working together to ensure that supports are widely available to the farming community.
New developments include a ‘corncrake habitat scorecard’ to inform a results based scheme for farmers operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
