Wildlife Welfare

Wild Curlew Conservation Welfare

Curlew are the UK's most urgent bird conservation priority, with breeding population collapse driven by predation and habitat loss.

Key Facts

Curlew breeding populations in England and Wales have declined by 65% since 1994
Nest predation by foxes, crows, and badgers is the primary proximate cause of breeding failure
Upland habitat change through drainage and afforestation has reduced breeding habitat
Nest protection programs using predator exclosures significantly improve chick production
Supplementary chick rearing programs rescue curlew from failed or at-risk nests

Welfare Considerations

Curlew conservation is urgent - population trends indicate possible extinction as a breeding bird in England within decades. Individual breeding pairs face near-certain nest failure without active protection, making intervention a direct welfare benefit.

What You Can Do

Support Curlew Country and equivalent conservation programs
Donate to nest monitoring and protection programs
Advocate for upland management policy that supports curlew breeding habitat