14/08/17 - Corncrakes

We are pleased to be able to announce that Corncrakes have once again had an excellent year in the Lower Derwent Valley at their only regularly English breeding site away from the Ouse and Nene Washes re-introduction sites. Corncrakes have been almost annual visitors to the valley over the last three or four decades, but over the last six or seven years have shown a real trend of being established once again as a regular breeding species, which follows the introduction of several conservation measures by NE in partnership with local farmers and landowners. 

This year a total of eight calling males have been present, and behaviour of those present suggest at least five pairs may have bred and attempted second broods in the valley this year – many people have been able to enjoy listening to the birds in front of the hides at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs, with one or two lucky visitors also enjoying sightings. Recently fledged young have been seen at North Duffield. Many thanks to everyone involved in this fantastic success story – and if you’d like to know more about what lengths some of the local farmers have gone to in order to protect this important species, by trialling 'Corncrake friendly mowing' - as pictured below - then please visit the Facebook page of our friends at Rosewood Farm.