Corncrake numbers on the up - European conservation groups visiting Mayo
THE Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, welcomed corncrake conservation groups from across Europe to Mayo today to a unique workshop hosted by Corncrake LIFE in Belmullet.
Corncrake conservation experts from across Europe converge on Belmullet this week as part of a workshop hosted by the Corncrake/Traonach LIFE project and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The workshop is showcasing the work of farmers and local communities across Ireland which has seen a population rebound of the endangered corncrakes in recent years.
The most recent 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.
The corncrake workshop runs over two days and will be attended by a range of conservation experts as well as local farmers and participants in the Corncrake LIFE project from across Ireland.
Responding to the project’s success to date, Minister Noonan said: "It’s fantastic to see that action for the iconic corncrake is 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.”
As part of the two-day event, the minister will officially reveal a mural in Eachléim which features the corncrake, and the extinct corn bunting as well. St. Brendan and his oceanic voyage also features on the gables of Teach Mháirtín.
The mural, which was co-funded by NPWS and Údarás na Gaeltachta, is close to the newly launched Solas centre and has already become a local landmark.
“I’m heartened to see local communities celebrate their natural heritage like this, and while we lament the loss of the corn bunting from Ireland, we should learn our lesson and ensure that other vulnerable species like the corncrake are here for generations to come. As this project has shown, the NPWS is committed to working in cooperation with landowners across our protected area network to deliver for both people and nature,” Minister Noonan said.
Dr. John Carey who manages the Corncrake LIFE project and oversees the NPWS Corncrake Programme said: “This workshop will hopefully highlight some of the innovations we have made here in Ireland when it comes to managing farmland where we still have corncrakes.
“Farmers and contractors have been key to the success we have had to date and the feeling among the attendees at the workshop is that this is a good model that warrants exploration and piloting across Europe. I think it speaks volumes for farmers in the west and north-west of Ireland that their land management and commitment to protecting the environment is so highly rated. In fairness, just look at where you find corncrakes - they only choose the best!”