Junior Curlew NEtwork

Curlew Action wants to rekindle that intrinsic love for nature that we all harbour, not only because it is a source of joy and wonder, but because we cannot protect wildlife that we do not understand and value. Once that understanding and value for nature is created, it stays with us throughout our life and can have profound impact on the decisions we make. Despite our size, the UK is of international importance for wading birds, our coastlines are a haven for many species of birds during the winter months and 25% of the global population of Eurasian curlew rely on our shores. Having a population of engaged nature lovers is vital for the continued protection of species and habitats across the UK.

This project will work with clusters of primary schools around the UK to teach them about curlews and their plight. The children will research curlews in their area, visit curlew habitat, learn to identify curlews and other more common shore birds, create curlew artwork and report to the Curlew Action team about their research.

The curlew, with its brown and white plumage and nervous, flighty tendencies, might seem a strange entry point for young people into the world of conservation, but there are few creatures that represent so much. Their haunting call is part of the soul of Britain’s countryside, and it is rapidly fading. Many  great writers, artists, musicians and poets across the ages have been inspired by the sound of curlews, to lose them is to lose so much more than another species. The cultural loss would be immense, but the biological impact spreads further. Curlews are a bioindicator species, which means they represent the overall health of the landscape, so by protecting curlews we protect many other species too. Curlew conservation benefits other ground nesting birds such as lapwing, snipe and redshank, soils, wildflowers and insects too.

Engaging young people with curlews will help cultivate their inner naturalist, something Professor Dasgupta made a plea for in his government instigated report on the connection between biodiversity and the economy, published in February 2021. The section on education was based on work commissioned from Mary Colwell by Professor Dasgupta.

Curlews are a fun shape for kids, and make them easy to identify and draw and we have already received some wonderful curlew art from young curlew enthusiasts.

Below is an article written by Mary Colwell about the importance of teaching young people about nature.