Stone Curlew Conservation on Chalk Downland

The stone curlew is one of Britain's most unusual breeding birds, nesting on open chalky soils, and requires careful collaboration between farmers and conservationists for its survival.

Key Facts

Stone curlews are Britain's only breeding representative of the thick-knee family
The UK population of around 400 pairs is largely confined to East Anglia and Wiltshire
Stone curlews are highly cryptic nesters that lay eggs directly on bare ground
Collaboration between farmers and RSPB through agri-environment schemes underpins their recovery
Stone curlews winter in sub-Saharan Africa, returning to breeding sites from March

Welfare Considerations

Stone curlew conservation exemplifies successful farmer-wildlife partnerships. Individual birds face welfare threats from nest destruction during agricultural operations, predation, and the stress of disturbance during the incubation period. Their cryptic plumage and low nest construction make eggs and chicks extremely vulnerable to mechanical damage. Agri-environment scheme payments that compensate farmers for delaying operations around nests provide direct welfare benefit by reducing mortality. Continued collaboration between land managers and conservation organisations is essential.

What You Can Do

Support farmers participating in agri-environment schemes for ground-nesting birds
Donate to RSPB and similar organisations running stone curlew monitoring programmes
Respect advisory distances from nesting areas during spring and summer
Advocate for continuation and expansion of agri-environment scheme payments
Follow stone curlew recovery through BTO and RSPB monitoring reports