Record number of Corncrakes return to Rathlin Island in conservation triumph

The elusive Corncrake, pictured on Rathlin Island, County Antrim.

Image: Tom McDonnell, Northcoast Nature

In a remarkable milestone for wildlife conservation in Northern Ireland, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Northern Ireland has announced that six calling male Corncrakes have been recorded on Rathlin Island during this breeding season.

This figure represents the highest count in recent memory for the elusive bird, which teetered on the brink of extinction in the region during the 1990s.

The Corncrake, once a familiar sound across the Northern Irish countryside, has faced significant decline due to modern farming practices and the loss of traditional hay meadows.

Today, Rathlin Island, located off the north coast of County Antrim, remains the only confirmed breeding ground for the species in Northern Ireland. The resurgence of this rare bird is a testament to years of dedicated conservation work by RSPB NI, local landowners, and a committed team of volunteers.

A lifeline for the Corncrake

The Corncrake’s distinctive “crex-crex” call, once a common feature of rural landscapes, had all but vanished by the late 20th century.

Changing agricultural methods, including the shift from hay to silage production and the use of mechanised mowing, decimated the bird’s breeding habitats. By the 1990s, the species was on the verge of disappearing from Northern Ireland entirely.

In response, RSPB NI launched the ‘Giving Corncrake a Home’ project in 2010, a collaborative effort to restore vital breeding habitats on Rathlin Island.

Volunteers have played a pivotal role, undertaking the labour-intensive task of digging, washing, and transporting nettle rhizomes to the island. These nettles provide the dense, early cover essential for Corncrakes to breed successfully, offering protection from predators and harsh weather.

The project bore fruit in 2014, when the first Corncrake returned to Rathlin Island and began breeding consistently year-on-year. This year’s record count of six calling males marks a significant step forward in the species’ recovery.

Liam McFaul, RSPB NI Warden on Rathlin Island, reflected on the bird’s decline and the importance of these efforts:

“When I was growing up, Corncrakes were everywhere, you couldn’t step outside without hearing them. Now, even one call is rare. That’s why creating early cover with nettle rhizomes is so important. Without it, Corncrakes could have disappeared from Rathlin for good.”

A personal mission

For Claire Barnett, RSPB NI’s East Area Manager, the Corncrake’s return holds deep personal significance.

Having worked on the project as a Senior Conservation Officer a decade ago, she recalls the moment the species began to re-establish itself on the island.

“I remember being out on Rathlin in 2014, walking the fields and hearing the Corncrake call as they were becoming re-established. It was a moment of hope, but I never imagined we’d one day be hearing six. It’s incredible. This is down to years of hard work by our team, the community and volunteers.

“We’re aiming for ten calling male Corncrakes on Rathlin, and with the right habitat and care, we’re confident we can get there.”

The success on Rathlin Island is the result of sustained collaboration between RSPB NI, local farmers, and landowners, who have worked together to manage land in a way that supports biodiversity.

Ongoing monitoring throughout the breeding season has also been critical, allowing conservationists to track the Corncrake’s progress and adapt their strategies to ensure the species’ survival.

A symbol of hope for nature recovery

This year’s record-breaking count is more than a number; it is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedicated conservation efforts.

The Corncrake’s return to Rathlin Island offers hope that, with continued support, its distinctive call could once again echo across other parts of Northern Ireland. The RSPB NI’s work is supported by its members and supporters, whose contributions enable vital projects like ‘Giving Corncrake a Home’ to continue year-round.

The charity, which has been working to protect Northern Ireland’s wildlife for 60 years, is now calling on the public to get involved. Whether through volunteering, becoming a member, or simply learning more about the project, every effort counts in safeguarding the future of the Corncrake and other threatened species.

To find out more about RSPB NI’s work or to support their efforts, visit www.rspb.org.uk/northern-ireland.

Looking ahead

The return of six calling male Corncrakes to Rathlin Island is a cause for celebration, but the journey is far from over. RSPB NI remains committed to its ambitious goal of reaching ten calling males, a target that would further secure the species’ foothold in Northern Ireland.

With ongoing habitat restoration, community engagement, and public support, the Corncrake’s call may yet become a familiar sound once more, symbolising the power of collective action in the fight to protect the UK’s natural heritage.