There has been an increase in the corncrake population in Ireland this year by 20%, according to data from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Some 281 corncrake territories have been recorded in 2025, representing an increase of 48 birds on last year.

Furthermore, the numbers of corncrake territories recorded in the core breeding areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway have increased by 70% on 2018 baseline figures.

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According to the NPWS, almost 1,500ha of land across Ireland is now being managed by 250 farmers and landowners to conserve the corncrake.

Conservation measures

The Corncrake/Traonach LIFE Project, funded through the EU and led by the NPWS, is working on a number of measures to prevent the decline of the corncrake.

Data from the project shows a number of measures which are effective in improving the bird’s habitat. For example, the creation of large patches of nettles or crops for them to hide in and delaying grass mowing into mid-August enable them to raise broods of chicks in safety.

Studies show that mowing fields from the ‘centre-out’ rather than from the ‘outside-in’ can reduce chick mortality by up to 60%.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan welcomed new data showing that efforts to increase corncrake populations in the west and north of Ireland are having a significant impact.

"The Corncrake or An Traonach as Gaeilge, is an iconic bird species with deep-rooted links to our rural areas and farming communities. It’s wonderful to see these impressive results which are the direct result of positive collaboration between farmers, landowners and the NPWS-led corncrake conservation projects. The Corncrake LIFE project is an incredible success story and an example of what can be achieved in the space of farmland nature conservation. The NPWS is committed to ensuring this work continues as it has become a model for community-focused nature conservation.”

“As this project has shown, the NPWS is committed to working in partnership with landowners across our protected area network to deliver for both people and nature," Minister O'Sullivan said.

Dr. John Carey who manages the Corncrake LIFE project said that a 50% increase in the population of a species over a five-year period is simply astounding.

"We have to remember that these birds were on the fast track to local extinction in Ireland and are still absent from around 90% of their former range," he said.

Corncrakes, Carey added, are still very vulnerable, and will need specialist support here in Ireland for some time to come but they are moving in the right direction now – unlike their populations in many other western European countries.