Stone Curlew Arable Welfare and Conservation on the South Downs

Stone curlews have recovered significantly through targeted conservation on the chalk downlands of southern England, demonstrating how agricultural partnerships can improve wildlife welfare at scale.

Key Facts

UK stone curlew population has recovered from fewer than 150 pairs in the 1980s to over 600 today
They nest on bare or sparsely vegetated ground including cultivated arable fields and chalk downland
Egg and chick mortality from agricultural operations is a major welfare risk during the April-August season
RSPB and GWCT work with farmers to protect nests during cultivation
Migratory birds from the UK winter in West Africa and face habitat change pressures there

Welfare Considerations

Stone curlews that nest in cultivated arable fields face acute welfare risks from crop operations during their breeding season. Eggs and unfledged chicks can be destroyed or buried by ploughing, harrowing, and spraying operations. Conservation partnerships that mark nest locations and agree cultivation delays around them have dramatically reduced such mortality. Adult birds disturbed from incubation in hot weather risk egg overheating, and those disturbed from chick brooding in cold conditions risk chick hypothermia.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and GWCT stone curlew conservation partnership programmes
Advocate for Higher Tier agri-environment payments for stone curlew habitat creation
Contribute to stone curlew monitoring through BTO and RSPB survey schemes
Avoid access to stone curlew nesting areas during April-August in known breeding locations
Support habitat restoration on the chalk downs of southern England