Latest news with #Corncrakes
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
New job on tiny & remote Scots island up for grabs – with £30k salary
RSPB Scotland is on the lookout for a new warden to be stationed on the island 'RARE OPPORTUNITY' New job on tiny & remote Scots island up for grabs – with £30k salary Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NATURE job on a remote Scottish island has become available - and wildlife enthusiasts could be in for a treat. The role is on Oronsay, a small tidal isle next to Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Oronsay is home to the iconic Corncrake - known for its distinct sound Credit: Alamy RSPB Scotland is on the lookout for a new warden to be stationed on the island. The wildlife charity has described the vacancy as a "rare and exciting opportunity". The position is 12 months' maternity cover and the salary on offer is up to £32,108. The successful applicant will be expected to live and work 37.5 hours per week on the island as part of a small team. Accommodation is provided in the form of an on-site cottage, which is shared at points with other RSPB staff and volunteers. Applicants are expected to have relevant ecological knowledge, estate management experience, and a full UK driving license. It is also desirable that they have knowledge of operating machinery, be skilled in a powerboat, and have experience working in remote areas. The whole of Oronsay is a nature reserve and is farmed under agreement with the owners of the estate. The tiny isle is home to several bird species such as Corncrakes and rare Choughs, which are only found on the west coast of Britain. The job listing states: "We are looking for an experienced Warden who is looking to develop their skills in a new setting (especially with livestock) or an experienced Assistant Warden looking to make the next step in their career. Ally McCoist is in cycling crash as he rides 555 miles across Ireland to raise money for the My Name's Doddie Foundation "Oronsay is in a stunning location, with awesome biodiversity that comes with unique and varied challenges: remote, isolated, and with a small cohesive team, your approach to life is as important as having the right skills. "The ability to live and work in an extreme island setting, often in extreme weather conditions, is essential. You and the small team will form almost the entire population of the island. "You will therefore need to be outstandingly committed, have understanding of island living, be resilient, mature and responsible, resourceful, adaptable and practically-minded. If this sounds like you, we would really like to hear from you. "You will spend much of your time farming, helping to manage the reserve with our own in-house Luing herd and Scottish blackface sheep flock and associated feeding/cultivation/harvest. "Your responsibilities range from undertaking most of the machinery and vehicle maintenance to completing the biodiversity monitoring on-site too. You will need to have a positive outlook, and be an active team player to be successful in this role." Those who are interested can view or submit and application here.
STV News
29-04-2025
- General
- STV News
Endangered birds return to Skye as crofters help boost population
Endangered birds that were teetering on the brink of extinction are being heard in greater numbers thanks to the efforts of crofters. Corncrakes saw a dramatic fall in their numbers in the 20th century. The Isle of Skye is now one of only a handful of islands where the birds can still be found in Scotland, with their 'crex, crex' call one of the most distinctive sounds on the island. And now, the population has returned to the island for this year's breeding season. The Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership – which also includes RSPB Scotland, NFUS, SCF, crofters, farmers, conservationists and the local community, say they are seeing signs of success, with the number of calling males on Skye in 2024 up on the previous year. Corncrakes rely on tall vegetation for cover and key land management changes made by crofters and farmers on the island have given the elusive brown birds – who tend to be heard but not seen – a much-needed boost. Janette Sutherland, senior consultant and area manager of SAC Consulting in Portree, said: 'It is really encouraging that numbers were up on Skye in 2024, with 27 calling males recorded – an increase on the number in 2023. 'Corncrakes use tall vegetation to provide themselves with cover and there are two key ways that crofters can help them. 'They can delay their mowing of silage or hay until August, when most second broods will have hatched, and they can also use wildlife friendly mowing practices – cutting out from the middle and allowing the corncrakes to reach the edges of the fields without breaking cover of the uncut longer vegetation. 'What crofters and farmers have been doing does definitely seem to be making a difference and this is a great example of how they have come to the aid of an endangered species just when they need our help most. It was rewarding for the crofters and farmers who willingly signed up to do their bit for corncrakes that numbers showed such a big increase.' SAC Consulting Endangered corncrakes have returned to Skye The Corncrake Calling project, led by RSPB Scotland and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, provided funds for the Corncrake Initiative, a scheme which pays crofters and farmers to delay mowing until August when the first brood of chicks will have hatched. Corncrakes head some 6,000 miles on an indirect route to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa each winter, a journey that can take them up to two months. Those that survive their travels tend to return to Skye and other Scottish sites in April, finding refuge in rougher vegetation along sheltered ditches and walls until meadow grasses begin to grow. Their maximum lifespan is only three years, so a successful breeding season is crucial for the species' long-term survival. Skye crofters and farmers who adapt their working practices to help benefit the environment can be supported via the Corncrakes Initiative and the Scottish Government's Agri Environment Climate Scheme. Janette added: 'The late cutting and the wildlife friendly mowing practices are not what crofters would normally choose to do – cutting from the middle, for example, would go against their instincts and use more fuel. However, what they are doing for the corncrakes on Skye hopefully means a familiar sound of summer on the island can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Skye's the limit for corncrakes thanks to crofting boost
However, following a dramatic fall in numbers in the 20th century, the species had been left teetering on the brink of extinction. Skye is now one of only a handful of islands where corncrakes can still be found in Scotland, alongside just one remaining mainland site on the north coast. There are also small numbers recorded annually in England and Northern Ireland. However, the Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership - supported by SAC Consulting (part of SRUC) - is now showing signs of success, with the number of calling males on Skye in 2024 up on the previous year. The Partnership also includes RSPB Scotland, NFUS, SCF, crofters, farmers, conservationists and the local community. READ MORE: Evidence of one of earliest human populations uncovered on Scottish island Birds named after Scots-born 'father of ornithology' to be renamed after controversy Public consultation launched to help protect rare birds at Highland loch Corncrakes rely on tall vegetation for cover and key land management changes made by crofters and farmers on the island have given the elusive brown birds – who tend to be heard but not seen - a much-needed boost. Janette Sutherland, Senior Consultant and Area Manager of SAC Consulting in Portree, said: 'It is really encouraging that numbers were up on Skye in 2024, with 27 calling males recorded – an increase on the number in 2023. 'Corncrakes use tall vegetation to provide themselves with cover and there are two key ways that crofters can help them. 'They can delay their mowing of silage or hay until August, when most second broods will have hatched, and they can also use wildlife friendly mowing practices – cutting out from the middle and allowing the corncrakes to reach the edges of the fields without breaking cover of the uncut longer vegetation. 'What crofters and farmers have been doing does definitely seem to be making a difference and this is a great example of how they have come to the aid of an endangered species just when they need our help most. It was rewarding for the crofters and farmers who willingly signed up to do their bit for corncrakes that numbers showed such a big increase.' The Corncrake Calling project, led by RSPB Scotland and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, provided funds for the Corncrake Initiative, a scheme which pays crofters and farmers to delay mowing until August when the first brood of chicks will have hatched. Corncrakes head some 6,000 miles on an indirect route to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa each winter, a journey that can take them up to two months. Those that survive their travels tend to return to Skye and other Scottish sites in April, finding refuge in rougher vegetation along sheltered ditches and walls until meadow grasses begin to grow. Their maximum lifespan is only three years, so a successful breeding season is crucial for the long-term survival of the species. Skye crofters and farmers who adapt their working practices to help benefit the environment can be supported via the Corncrakes Initiative and the Scottish Government's Agri Environment Climate Scheme. Ms Sutherland added: 'The late cutting and the wildlife friendly mowing practices are not what crofters would normally choose to do – cutting from the middle, for example, would go against their instincts and use more fuel. However, what they are doing for the corncrakes on Skye hopefully means a familiar sound of summer on the island can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.'
Belfast Telegraph
22-04-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Rare birds which once faced extinction spotted on Rathlin Island
Corncrakes, once widespread across Northern Ireland, faced extinction in the 1990s partly due to changes in agricultural practices. Their gradual comeback is the result of over a decade of work through the RSPB NI's 'Giving Corncrake a Home' project, which helped re-establish the species on Rathlin Island in 2014. Since then, their return each spring has become a welcome and hopeful sign of conservation success. The project brings together landowners, farmers, and over 45 volunteers to create and maintain the habitats Corncrakes need to breed. Each winter, volunteers carefully dig up nettle rhizomes from various sites across Northern Ireland. These are cleaned, transported, and replanted on Rathlin to ensure the birds have suitable cover when they arrive in spring. Liam McFaul, RSPB NI Rathlin Reserves Warden, said he is delighted to see the birds return to Rathlin Island. 'The return of the Corncrake to Rathlin Island each year is a celebration,' he said. "It shows that conservation works, and with persistence and community support, we can make a real difference for nature. "This red-listed species depends on the habitats we've created, and it's heartening to see those efforts paying off.' Fiona Robinson, Volunteer Coordinator for RSPB NI, added: 'We're so grateful to the volunteers, farmers and landowners who support this work year after year. " Without them, the future for the Corncrake in Northern Ireland would look very different.'
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nettle dig 'positively' supports Rathlin's corncrakes
The population of corncrakes on Rathlin Island is being "positively" maintained with the help of an annual nettle dig, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has said. Since the 1970s, the corncrake population has hugely declined leading to them becoming a red listed species in the UK and Ireland. However, the "Giving Corncrake a Home Project" encouraged the bird to return to Rathlin Island in 2014 and since then, up to five Corncrakes have been spotted. Anne Guichard, a RSPB conservation officer recognises the "numbers are still very low" as the organisation hopes to see more return. The project, which is held during the winter months, harnesses the help of farmers, landowners and volunteers to provide tall vegetation for corncrakes to hide in. "We dig nettle roots which we call rhizome, we wash them and then we bring them onto Rathlin Island," Ms Guichard said. "Corncrake love nettles because they are a plant which grow quite early in the season. "When they come back from migration in April, the grass in the middle will be very short so the nettle bed we will have built around the field margin will have grown enough for them to hide when waiting for the grass in the middle to grow." Once the nettle roots are picked they are washed by a pressure washing to remove any unwanted seeds or invertebrates. Soil is also removed during the wash which makes the roots lighter to transport. In 2024, the RSPB covered 250 sq m of Rathlin Island with nettle rhizomes. During the winter months of 2024/2025, the RSPB and its' volunteers have gathered about 14 tonne bags of nettle rhizomes. About three to four calling males have been recorded from 2022-2024. One of the volunteers, Patrick O'Donnell, shares how he has a special connection with the project. In the early 1950s, from the age of three to eight, Mr O'Donnell lived on Rathlin Island, his mother was from the island and his father was the lighthouse keeper. "I had five happy years on Rathlin and it was during that time on my granda's farm that the corncrake was living on Rathlin then and I actually saw one," Mr O'Donnell said. David Murphy and Arthur Watson also took part in the initiative to give corncrakes "a hand". Mr Murphy said the project builds on other initiatives which have been carried out on the island. "I think it is important to go back to the recent attempts to get rid of both the ferrets and the rats and I think that also helps the corncrakes," Mr Murphy said. Mr Watson recalls hearing the corncrake's distinctive call in Londonderry "years ago". "Farming was different, it was less intensive and there maybe wasn't as many cats especially," he said. "There were corncrakes in Donegal as well and they disappeared off the radar so I would like to help to bring them back." Glenise Morgan, who helped out at the nettle dig in Ballycastle said she done so as it is "frightening how much we are losing biodiversity". "I live in a rural area and you can just see how the fields are no longer supporting wildlife, hedges being cut down, the grass being cut," she said. "I thought get rid of nettles as soon as you could, now I realise they are so good for wildlife." Woody the dog switches detection skills to save puffins The call of the curlew returns to Fermanagh island
