Curlew Conservation
Curlews spend the winter on the coast and breed in inland in agricultural land from the lowlands to the uplands. Because Curlews depend on many landscapes to thrive throughout their lifecycle conserving them is complex. Curlews find themselves in the middle of many environmental issues – intensive agriculture, high levels of predation, forestry, development, disturbance and climate change. Curlew Action is at the forefront of helping raise awareness of these challenges and helping fieldworkers through our unique workshops, events, webinars and podcasts. Informed action is essential to saving Curlews, and we are leading the way.
Curlew conservation in the UK today is urgent, complicated, and often controversial. The UK holds around a quarter of the world’s breeding Eurasian Curlews, giving us a global responsibility for their future. Yet their numbers have more than halved in the past 25 years, with some regions losing breeding populations altogether. The causes are multiple and interconnected: intensive farming, wetland drainage, forestry, development, disturbance, climate change, and high levels of predation. Tackling these pressures means addressing some of the biggest issues of our time — how we use land, grow food, and balance human needs with those of wildlife.
At times, debates can be fierce, particularly around predator control and the role of driven grouse moors, where views are deeply polarised. In this context, Curlew Action’s trusted, neutral voice is essential.
Conservation milestones include the launch of the Curlew Recovery Partnership in 2021, the forthcoming UK Curlew Action Plan, and innovative headstarting and habitat projects that show breeding success can be improved when resources align.
Cultural initiatives like World Curlew Day and Curlew Action’s outreach ensure the Curlew’s story reaches far beyond conservationists, inspiring public support and providing a platform where farmers, scientists, policymakers and communities can come together to find solutions.
