Wildlife

Wild Stone Curlew UK Conservation

Stone curlews are rare, schedule 1 protected breeding birds in the UK requiring intensive conservation management. Their welfare depends on disturbance-free nesting.

Key Facts

The UK has approximately 400 breeding pairs, mainly in East Anglia and Wiltshire
Stone curlews nest on bare or sparsely vegetated chalk and sandy ground
They rely on the same nest territories year after year
Agricultural operations during the breeding season destroy nests
RSPB conservation advisory services work with farmers to protect nests

Welfare Considerations

Stone curlew eggs and chicks destroyed by agricultural machinery cause direct welfare harm. Adults disturbed repeatedly during incubation abandon nests after prolonged investment. The small UK population makes each successful breeding attempt critically important. Farm advisory services that work with landowners to protect nests are essential welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB stone curlew conservation and farmer advisory work
Record stone curlew sightings to the appropriate recording scheme
Avoid disturbing areas of bare chalk or sandy soil during April-August in their range