Corncrake numbers soar on Canna

The Trust recorded at least 12–14 calling males on Canna this year, which is the first time we have conducted formalised corncrake monitoring on the island for many years. Data collected by Bob Swann from the Highland Ringing Group over the last few decades demonstrated a worrying trend of just 1 or 2 corncrakes on Canna in many seasons, so these new figures are a very welcome increase.

The growing corncrake population on Canna can be largely attributed to high nature value farming practices that support the conservation of this species. Once prevalent across the UK, corncrake numbers have been in long-term decline due to the intensification of agricultural methods. Because of this decline, corncrakes are one of the 26 priority species identified in our Plan for Nature, announced earlier this year. We are working with crofters and farmers, and managing land directly, to increase the corncrake population to 50 calling males on Trust land, which would account for approximately 6% of the current UK population.

Canna has five designated areas of farmland for corncrakes, which are managed by Geraldine MacKinnon and the island farming team, with support from Tom Allen, the Trust’s ranger on Canna. The team undertakes farming practices to benefit biodiversity, which includes strategies to support breeding corncrakes. Extensive mixed livestock grazing of the hill ground in summer, combined with no mowing of the grassland fields, provides areas of undisturbed cover around the home farm for nesting birds. The Sanday crofters also reported high levels of corncrake activity on the crofts they manage and graze with native cattle.

Angus Murray, Canna Operations Manager for the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘We undertake a very different and productive way of farming on Canna, which is vital for nature conservation. It supports a wide variety of species, but as one of our priorities, we are especially pleased to see the growth of our corncrake population.

‘Nature conservation on Canna, and across the Trust, is a key focus. We care for 76,000 hectares of countryside in Scotland; with our Plan for Nature, we now have a clear focus on where to concentrate our efforts to help nature flourish.’

Tom Allen said: ‘Canna Farm is a great example of prioritising both the production of high-quality livestock and creating a haven for wildlife – and achieving success in both. By adapting our farming methods on Canna, we are supporting this species and its regeneration without making significant sacrifices to our other outputs.’

Launched in 2024, the National Trust for Scotland’s Plan for Nature outlines the 6 habitats and 26 species we will prioritise for conservation over the coming decades. As Scotland’s largest conservation charity, we have special responsibility for these identified priorities and a particular ability to make a positive impact on them. The habitats include mountain willow scrub, found at Ben Lawers and Mar Lodge Estate; sea cliffs and islands, such as the Treshnish Isles, St Kilda and St Abb’s Head; wood pasture and parkland, like at Drum Castle; native pinewoods at Mar Lodge Estate; upland heathland at locations such as Glencoe, Torridon and West Affric; and machair on Canna, Sanday and Iona.