LONDON: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has reported a record-breaking year for choughs along Cornwall’s coastline, with conservationists recording a significant rise in the number of young birds successfully fledging from nests.
A total of 161 young choughs fledged from nests across Cornwall this summer, 32 more than the previous record of 129 set in 2025. The birds came from 56 successful breeding pairs, giving an average of around three fledglings per successful nest.
Conservation Success
The latest figures are being described as a major success for conservation efforts in Cornwall. Choughs disappeared from the county in the 1970s but returned in 2001, when three birds believed to have come from Ireland arrived at Lizard Point and began breeding again.
Conservation organisations, volunteers, farmers and landowners have worked together for years to protect nesting sites and improve the coastal habitat needed by the birds.
The chough is a distinctive member of the crow family, recognised by its glossy black feathers, red bill and red legs. The species is currently green-listed in the UK, with its population increasing in Cornwall.
Lizard Peninsula Sees Strong Growth
The Lizard Peninsula remains the main breeding area for Cornwall’s choughs. This year, 26 chicks emerged from eight nests, representing an increase of 11 chicks compared with 2025.
Volunteers monitoring the birds say the growth is particularly encouraging because chough numbers were once extremely low in the region.
The National Trust said the latest success reflects more than two decades of conservation work and cooperation between organisations and local land managers.
A Remarkable Recovery
Choughs hold a special place in Cornwall’s cultural identity and even feature on the county’s official coat of arms.
Conservationists say the latest figures demonstrate what can be achieved when wildlife organisations, volunteers, farmers and landowners work together over the long term.
The increase is also significant because the species continues to face challenges in parts of Britain. While populations are increasing in Cornwall and remain stable in Pembrokeshire, the RSPB notes long-term declines in North and mid-Wales and the Inner Hebrides.
Conservation Work Continues
The record number of young choughs provides encouraging evidence that habitat protection and nest monitoring are helping the species recover in Cornwall.
Conservationists, however, say continued protection of coastal grasslands and nesting sites will remain important to ensure the population continues to grow.
The latest figures represent a significant milestone for one of Cornwall’s most recognisable birds and offer a positive example of how sustained conservation efforts can help wildlife return to areas where populations had previously disappeared.
