Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Upland Bird Welfare 2026

Upland birds including curlews, golden plovers, and dunlin face significant welfare challenges from habitat change and predation pressure.

Key Facts

Curlew populations have declined by 65% in the UK since the 1970s
Upland drainage and rush encroachment reduce nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds
Predator management on grouse moors provides incidental benefit for curlew breeding success
Restoration of bog and wet heath creates nesting habitat for multiple upland species
Golden plover populations are dependent on functioning upland ecosystems with low predator pressure

Welfare Considerations

Upland birds face welfare threats from habitat degradation and predation. Upland ecosystem restoration creates the conditions for successful breeding and population recovery.

What You Can Do

Support upland habitat restoration programs
Advocate for curlew recovery as a conservation priority
Participate in upland bird monitoring surveys to track population trends