Charity has been working with crofters to increase corncrake numbers
RSPB Scotland is worried about the future of corncrakes in Scotland following a dip in numbers.
A survey last year revealed a drop, with only 866 calling males recorded.
The conservation charity says that until there is clarity on the future of rural support from the Scottish Government, and a firm commitment to continue to support High Nature Value (HNV) farming, future declines are likely.
Corncrakes used to be widespread across the UK, but changes in agricultural practices through the 20th century led to a massive reduction in both their range and numbers.
By the early 1990s the birds were only clinging on in isolated pockets on Scottish islands and the far north west coast.
Although the birds remain one of our rarest species, thanks to cooperation between crofters, government, statutory agencies, conservation organisations and agriculture organisations, there has been a significant upturn in numbers from the low of fewer than 500 in the early 1990s.
Corncrakes are a summer migrant to Scotland, making the long journey from central and southern Africa to breed here with the majority found in crofting and farmland areas.
Since the 1990s crofters and farmers have received support through agri-environment schemes to create corncrake friendly conditions on their land.
These include delaying their mowing dates, and creating corridors of vegetation for the birds and their chicks to move through and take cover in.
As a result the population has been slowly increasing with the number of calling males recorded reaching a high of 1,289 in 2014. However, since then numbers have fallen back with last year’s survey revealing that they were at their lowest level since 2003.
Possible reasons for the decline may be found in their wintering grounds in the Southern Hemisphere, or in migration. But closer to home, late springs could potentially have an effect, and there are concerns that a gap between successive management contracts between schemes has a detrimental impact on the area of land being managed to help the species.
Chris Bailey, advisory manager for Scotland, RSPB Scotland said: “The crex crex call of the corncrake is an incredible sound, but sadly one that few people experience nowadays. We cannot let all the hard work that has been put in by all sides over the last 25 years be undone and go to waste.
“While RSPB Scotland recognises the funding challenges, we need Scottish Government to articulate a long-term vision for rural support, and commit to a clear plan for how species and habitats that are dependent on appropriate land management systems will be safeguarded. The continuation of agri-environment schemes is vital for the corncrake and the machair habitats they rely on, along with so much of our farmland wildlife.
“This, as part of a comprehensive policy framework to support HNV farming, would deliver improvements for nature, agricultural communities and the public good. A wider HNV farming support system would also help species such as curlews and great yellow bumblebees, and be invaluable to farmers and crofters in the Highlands and Islands.”
This year’s corncrake survey is ongoing, with results expected in the autumn.
