Cornish Choughs spreading inland

Chough, well-known for being a coastal bird in Cornwall, has started spreading inland in what conservationists have called a "flourishing" development.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust said Choughs have been seen inland in the Penwith area with regularity, especially on the charity's reserves. 

Chough is thriving in Cornwall (Chris Teague).

The trust's west Cornwall reserves manager, Nick Marriott, said: "For Choughs to be coming inland to our reserves is a first – and really exciting, as it shows how well they are doing. Their presence reflects the richness of our nature reserves for wildlife.

"The public are welcome to visit Bostraze and Bartinney all year round. They are not only new feeding grounds for choughs, but also sanctuaries for ground-nesting birds such as skylark and Meadow Pipit, alongside reptiles including Adders. Therefore we ask that dogs are kept on leads to minimise disturbance."

The news comes not long after it was confirmed that a record-breaking number of Choughs fledged in Cornwall in 2023.