Wildlife Welfare

Wild Stone Curlew Welfare

Stone curlews are rare UK breeding birds requiring open stony grassland and arable fields, with nest protection from farming operations being critical for breeding welfare.

Key Facts

UK stone curlew population is around 400 pairs breeding mainly on the Brecklands and chalk downland
They are ground-nesters highly vulnerable to agricultural machinery during nesting
RSPB works with farmers to identify and protect nest sites during drilling and spraying
Stone curlews return faithfully to traditional nesting areas
Conservation has maintained stable populations through farmer cooperation

Welfare Considerations

Stone curlew welfare during breeding depends entirely on farmers protecting known nest sites from agricultural operations. The species exists in the UK only through active conservation partnerships with farmers who voluntarily protect nests, making this cooperation essential for breeding welfare.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB stone curlew conservation and their farmer partnership programme
Donate to agri-environment schemes that support stone curlew nesting protection
Report stone curlew sightings to contribute to breeding population monitoring