Wildlife

Stone Curlew Conservation

Stone curlews are cryptic farmland and heathland birds that have declined steeply but are recovering with targeted conservation efforts.

Key Facts

Stone curlews breed on arable land and open stony heaths in southern England
The UK population fell to around 150 pairs by the 1980s but has since recovered to 700+
They are highly camouflaged and rely on ground nesting, making them vulnerable to farm machinery
Agri-environment schemes have created protected nesting areas on farmland
Stone curlews winter in West Africa and face threats during migration

Welfare Considerations

Stone curlews face welfare challenges from farm machinery, predation, and habitat loss. Collaboration between farmers and conservationists through agri-environment schemes has proven essential to their recovery.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment scheme funding that protects stone curlew nesting
Work with farmers to identify and protect known nesting sites
Educate farm workers about stone curlew nesting behaviour and vulnerability
Support migration research identifying key stopover and wintering sites
Advocate for continuation of targeted conservation payments for stone curlews