Wildlife

Curlew Upland Nesting and Human Disturbance

The Eurasian curlew faces severe welfare challenges during its upland nesting season from increasing recreational disturbance and predation pressure.

Key Facts

Curlews nest on the ground and are highly sensitive to disturbance within 200m
UK population has declined 48% since 1995
Flushed birds may abandon eggs or chicks to predators
Nesting success rates below 0.5 chicks per pair are unsustainable
Dogs off-lead are a major cause of nest failures on moorland

Welfare Considerations

Ground-nesting curlews experience extreme stress when disturbed by humans and dogs during the April-June breeding season. Repeated disturbance forces birds off eggs or chicks, exposing them to chilling, dehydration, and predators. Chicks that survive hatching are mobile but flightless for five weeks and rely on parental brooding for warmth in cold upland conditions.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads on moorland from April to July
Follow marked paths and avoid vegetation with warning signs
Support curlew conservation groups working with landowners
Report nest locations to local wildlife trusts for wardening
Advocate for predation management around curlew nesting areas