Crofters are adapting their farming practices in north Skye to support the population of corncrakes: in 2024, 27 males were recorded giving their distinctive ‘crex crex’ call – an increase on the number in 2023.
Corncrakes migrate 6000 miles from the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa to breed in Scotland. They like long vegetation which they can move around in and raise their broods. Delaying mowing until August and mowing from the centre outwards are two simple changes that help corncrake chicks survive.
Corncrake success is an indicator that insects and other wildlife are doing well too.
This BBC i-player film explains how crofters in Kilmuir are managing their land for corncrakes. (The corncrake segment is from 01:10 to 06:26).