Stone Curlew Welfare in Breckland: Conservation and Agricultural Partnerships

The Breckland of Norfolk and Suffolk hosts the largest UK stone curlew population, with welfare dependent on agricultural partnerships protecting nest sites.

Key Facts

Breckland holds around 200 stone curlew breeding pairs, the majority of the UK population
They nest in sugar beet fields, set-aside, and specially managed plots
RSPB works with over 100 farmers in the Breckland to protect nest sites
Early cultivation can destroy nests but centre-out mowing allows escape
Population has recovered from under 100 pairs through targeted conservation

Welfare Considerations

Breckland stone curlew welfare is maintained through active partnerships between RSPB, Natural England, and local farmers. Nest protection through marking and farmer communication prevents machinery mortality that would otherwise cause widespread breeding failure. The welfare of individual birds that have successfully nested on a traditional territory for multiple years depends on the continuation of this partnership. Predator management at key sites reduces egg and chick predation. Agricultural change including set-aside removal and changing crop rotations requires ongoing adaptation of conservation management to maintain welfare.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Breckland stone curlew conservation and farmer partnership programme
Advocate for agri-environment scheme funding for stone curlew nest protection
Back Countryside Stewardship options including stone curlew management
Donate to RSPB stone curlew recovery projects
Report stone curlew sightings to Rare Breeding Birds Panel