Wildlife Welfare

Wild Curlew Conservation and Welfare UK

The curlew is the UK's most endangered breeding bird, with welfare implications for remaining populations from habitat loss and predation.

Key Facts

UK curlew populations have declined by 65% since 1970 making it the UK's most threatened wader
Breeding success on unmanaged sites is insufficient to maintain populations
Nest predation from foxes, crows and badgers causes egg and chick loss
RSPB curlew recovery programmes including nest protection and predator management are showing results
Wet grassland restoration is the most impactful habitat intervention for curlew recovery

Welfare Considerations

Curlew welfare at individual and population levels is under severe pressure. Conservation management including nest protection and habitat restoration provides direct welfare benefits to breeding birds by increasing breeding success and population resilience.

What You Can Do

Support Curlew Country and RSPB curlew recovery programmes financially
Advocate for wet grassland restoration funding through agri-environment schemes
Respect breeding curlew sites and observe from distances that do not disturb nesting birds