Wildlife

Wild Curlew Recovery Efforts in Wales and England

The curlew is the UK's most urgent conservation priority bird, with breeding populations declining by 65% since 1970. Welfare and conservation efforts focus on predation management and habitat restoration.

Key Facts

The UK holds 25% of the European curlew breeding population
Curlew chick survival is critically low due to predator pressure on lowland farmland
Upland populations are also declining with increased predation and habitat loss
Recovery programmes involve predation management, agri-environment support and nest protection

Welfare Considerations

Curlew welfare involves both individual birds and population viability. Nest protection using electric fences, predator management, and agri-environment payments that maintain wet rough grassland are the most effective welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support Curlew Country and similar recovery programmes across Britain
Advocate for agri-environment payments maintaining curlew nesting habitat
Record curlew sightings at both breeding and wintering sites