Cornish Choughs Find New Home Inland, Signaling Success in Wildlife Conservation

Image:Cornwall Wildlife Trust

In an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, the iconic Cornish choughs, once extinct in Cornwall, have been increasingly spotted in the county’s inland areas. This significant shift marks a pivotal moment in the resurgence of these birds as they venture beyond their traditional coastal habitats.

Since their remarkable return to Cornwall’s coastline in the early 2000s, after being declared extinct in the mid-20th century, choughs have primarily been a coastal presence. The initial return was marked by a small group of three birds in 2001, with successful breeding starting a year later, symbolising a ray of hope for conservationists.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has recently reported regular sightings of these birds at their Penwith inland nature reserves, namely Bartinney and Bostraze. This movement inland is a testament to the effectiveness of pasture restoration and conservation grazing initiatives undertaken by the Trust. These efforts have created a rich habitat, attracting the choughs and offering them a new foraging ground.

The choughs’ diet, rich in insects like dung beetles found in these pastures, is a critical component of their habitat preference. The Trust’s reserves offer an organic environment for livestock, which in turn supports a thriving insect population crucial for the choughs’ sustenance.

This new pattern mirrors past behaviours where choughs would venture inland for additional foraging opportunities, especially under harsh coastal conditions. However, various factors like Victorian-era bird collecting, pesticide use, and loss of grazing areas had previously contributed to their decline.
Experts from the Cornwall Birds Chough Project highlight the significance of this development, citing a growing population of over 200 birds and a record number of chicks fledged in the previous year. The reserves are not far from the coast and serve as vital feeding areas, especially important during the breeding season.

The Trust’s reserves, Bostraze and Bartinney, offer more than just feeding grounds for choughs. They are sanctuaries for various bird species, including spotted flycatchers, reed buntings, and skylarks, as well as other wildlife like reptiles. These areas are open to the public, though visitors are advised to minimise disturbance to the wildlife.

The successful adaptation of Cornish choughs to inland areas is a significant achievement in wildlife conservation, showcasing the positive impact of sensitive land management. This development holds promise not just for the choughs but for the entire ecosystem, paving the way for a richer biodiversity in Cornwall.