How a crofter and his Highland Cattle are helping Corncrakes on Lewis

Corncrakes were once part of the summer soundtrack all over Scotland. These secretive birds are now only found around the West and North coasts and some islands. The RSPB’s Corncrake Calling project is working to protect and enhance their populations.

A key part of that is working with crofters. Traditional land use can bring big benefits for the birds. We’ve been helping crofters to improve how they graze land to make it more economically viable for them and better for nature too. Find out more in this video which features Donlad MacSween, a crofter from Lewis, and his Highland Cattle.

The Corncrake Calling Project is part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to the players of the National Lottery.