5 Ways You Can Help With Curlew Conservation

Curlew - Photo by Nick Unwin — *Photo by Nick Unwin*

The evocative call of the curlew is a sound that was once common across the UK but is becoming increasingly rare. Sadly, the curlew population has declined rapidly in recent decades, with only half the number of breeding curlews in the UK compared to 25 years ago.

This is neatly summed up by what happened when driven grouse shooting on the Berwyn Special Protection Area ended: curlew numbers dropped by 79% after traditional moorland management, most significantly predator control, was abandoned.

But there's still hope. The UK holds a significant portion of the world's curlew population, making our conservation efforts crucial. This blog post outlines five practical steps you can take to help protect these amazing birds and ensure their survival for generations to come.

1. Habitat Protection and Restoration: Give Curlews a Home

Curlews need specific habitats to thrive. Ideal breeding sites have wet areas for feeding and dry areas for nesting, with medium-length vegetation and minimal disturbance. Think of lowland wet grasslands or rough grazing on moorland edges.

What's the problem? Modern farming practices, such as drainage, fertilizers, and grass reseeding, have made many areas unsuitable for curlews. Increased sheep grazing has also led to habitat loss.
What can you do? Habitat protection and restoration is critical. If you're a land manager, consider managing your land in a way that benefits curlews by maintaining wet pastures, keeping pastures unimproved, and performing heather management to give patches of suitable length on moorland.

2. Minimise Disturbance During Breeding Season

Curlews typically nest between April and July. During this time, they are sensitive to disturbance.

What's the problem? Agricultural operations during the breeding season can destroy nests or cause adult birds to abandon them.
What can you do? If you have nesting curlews on your land, avoid cutting, rolling, or excessive stocking between mid-April and mid-July. If you must mow, cut from the inside out to give chicks a chance to escape.

3. Control Predators to Improve Chick Survival

Curlew nests and chicks are vulnerable to predators because they nest on the ground.

What's the problem? Predation rates on curlew nests have increased significantly. Fox and crow populations have also increased, adding to the pressure.
What can you do? Predator control can significantly improve curlew breeding success. Consider supporting or implementing predator control measures, such as lethal control or exclusion fencing. Studies have shown that curlew breeding success is higher on grouse moors where predator control is practiced.

4. Support Curlew-Friendly Farming Practices

Historically, curlews bred in lowland areas, and some still do. By supporting farmers who implement curlew-friendly practices, you can help boost lowland populations.

What's the problem? Modern agricultural practices often destroy nests and reduce food availability for curlews.
What can you do? Advocate for and support farmers who:
- Maintain wet grasslands
- Avoid cutting or rolling during the breeding season
- Use low-input farming methods

5. Get Involved and Spread the Word

Curlew conservation requires a long-term commitment. Raising awareness and gathering data are essential for effective conservation efforts.

What's the problem? Many people are unaware of the curlew's plight and the simple steps they can take to help.
What can you do?
- Report curlew sightings: Share information about curlew nesting sites and breeding success with the relevant organisations
- Spread the word: Talk to your friends, family, and community about curlews and the challenges they face. Share this blog post!

Curlew Conservation: A Call to Action

The curlew's call is a precious part of our natural heritage. By taking action to protect their habitats, reduce disturbance, control predators, support curlew-friendly farming, and raise awareness, we can make a real difference in ensuring their survival.