Wildlife

Curlew Welfare and Moorland Conservation

The curlew is one of the UK's most threatened wading birds, facing steep declines due to habitat loss, predation pressure, and land use change across its moorland and wet grassland breeding grounds.

Key Facts

UK curlew population has declined by over 65% since the 1970s
Curlews have one of the longest bills of any wading bird, adapted for probing soft ground
They nest on the ground, making eggs and chicks highly vulnerable to predators
A single breeding pair may have a territory of 10-30 hectares
Curlews are listed as Near Threatened globally but Vulnerable in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Ground-nesting curlews experience significant welfare challenges including nest disturbance from human recreation, agricultural machinery, and predators. Chicks require wet, insect-rich habitat to survive their first weeks. When habitat quality deteriorates, chicks face malnutrition and exposure. Conservation actions that restore wet grassland and reduce predation pressure directly improve welfare outcomes for individual birds.

What You Can Do

Support curlew conservation organisations working on habitat restoration
Avoid disturbing moorland and wet grassland during breeding season (April-July)
Advocate for agri-environment schemes that support curlew nesting habitat
Report curlew sightings to local wildlife trusts to aid population monitoring