Wildlife

Stone Curlew Conservation in Britain

The stone curlew is one of Britain's most enigmatic birds, dependent on open chalk downland and arable fields, with a welfare-focused conservation programme delivering recovery.

Key Facts

The stone curlew population declined to about 160 pairs in the 1980s
Recovery to over 400 pairs has been achieved through targeted agri-environment support
They require open bare ground or short vegetation for nesting and feeding
Agricultural operations can destroy nests - farmers are compensated to protect them
RSPB and Natural England work with farmers to identify and protect nesting sites

Welfare Considerations

Stone curlew conservation exemplifies effective human-wildlife collaboration on farmland. Individual welfare is protected through nest monitoring and farmer partnerships. Agri-environment scheme funding that compensates farmers for nest protection is a replicable model for other farmland birds.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment scheme funding for farmland bird conservation
Visit stone curlew viewing areas in Breckland and Salisbury Plain
Advocate for continued agri-environment scheme funding post-Brexit
Donate to RSPB farmland bird conservation programmes
Learn about the importance of open farmland habitats for declining birds