Wildlife

UK Stone Curlew Conservation and Breckland Management

Conservation of stone curlews in the UK's Breckland and chalk downland through specialised habitat management.

Key Facts

UK stone curlew population is around 400 pairs, confined to specialist habitats
Open stony or bare ground is essential for breeding stone curlews
Partnership between RSPB and farmers is central to stone curlew conservation
Stone curlews are night-active and use calls to communicate in darkness
Nest protection from agricultural operations significantly improves breeding success

Welfare Considerations

Stone curlews face welfare risks from nest disturbance, predation, and agricultural operations, with individual nest protection delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB stone curlew conservation in the Brecks and South Downs
Advocate for stone curlew nest protection in agri-environment schemes
Report stone curlew sightings to help monitor population distribution