Wild Curlew Conservation and Welfare

Curlews are among Britain's most threatened breeding birds. Understanding threats to their welfare and survival helps focus conservation efforts effectively.

Key Facts

Britain holds 25% of the world breeding population of Eurasian curlew, making it a global conservation priority
Breeding curlew numbers in Britain have declined by 65% since the 1970s
Key threats include predation of eggs and chicks, agricultural intensification, and habitat loss
Curlew chicks are precocial but vulnerable to wet weather, predation, and agricultural machinery
Nest protection schemes involving temporary electric fencing have improved breeding success in some areas

Welfare Considerations

Curlews face welfare challenges from predation, agricultural hazards, and habitat degradation. Chicks killed by machinery harvesting early in the season, or those separated from parents by intense agricultural activity, experience fear and suffering. Adults injured by predators that do not kill cleanly suffer before death. Conservation interventions that improve breeding success, such as predator management and delayed cutting, reduce both population-level harm and individual welfare incidents.

What You Can Do

Support curlew conservation charities through donation or volunteer monitoring
Walk dogs on leads during curlew breeding season in known nesting areas
Advocate for agri-environment scheme payments that support curlew-friendly land management
Report curlew nest locations to local wildlife trusts for monitoring and protection
Participate in national curlew surveys to improve population monitoring data