Maintaining the magic

30th June 2016

THERE can be little more magical than hearing the bubbling song of the curlew rolling across the upland pastures on a sunny morning, writes Mike Swan of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.

“Sadly, this wonderful experience is not as common as it used to be, in common with other upland waders like lapwing, golden plover, and snipe, curlew have suffered a long term decline in many areas, although grouse moors remain a stronghold,” he says.

In a recent article in The Field, Mike summarises the results of GWCT research into the importance of predation control in the conservation of these species, and shows how grouse moor gamekeepers are helping to stem the decline of these iconic birds.

Moorland Association curlew fact file

• Curlews went on the ‘Red List for Birds’ on December 1, 2015, which means they are of most conservation concern. The list is based on historical decline, trends in population and range, rarity, localised distribution and international importance

• Grouse moor land management is helping to support successful breeding. Curlew is in decline where grouse moor management is not in place. Careful grouse moorland management means the habitat is perfect for the success of this species

• Studies have found that curlew are twice as abundant on moors managed for grouse shooting and that, thanks to predator control carried out by gamekeepers, they have a three and a half times better chance of fledging their chicks

• Consequences of losing driven grouse shooting as a land management tool (Berwyn Report) means a fall of 79 percent in curlews, other species fell by up to 90 percent

• The changing management and role of traditional curlew habitat and loss of predator control has led to the decline in curlew chick survival. In areas managed for grouse the land use habitat management and predator control has changed very little, providing the last safe haven for breeding success

To read Mike Swan’s full article and understand more, follow this link: