Curlew Project

Curlew in Crisis
 

Curlew are one of Wales’ most iconic birds, yet they’re teetering on the brink – without urgent action, they are on track for extinction in Wales by 2033. In Wales there are 12 Important Curlew Areas and most of Montgomeryshire is one. While breeding success is too low to secure these birds' future, the fight is far from over.

A nationwide effort is underway, led by Gylfinir Cymru/Curlew Wales, bringing together government, conservation, farming and game management sectors. In 2026, Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru/Natural Resources Wales is aiming to map every breeding pair across Wales in collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology. This will be a game-changer for understanding where Curlew still cling on.

How to help Curlew

Protect nesting areas

Curlew nest on the ground which makes them very vulnerable

• Stick to footpaths when walking through farmland, meadows or moorland.
• Keep dogs on leads during nesting season, from March to September

Support habitat-friendly farming

Much of the Curlew’s decline is due to changes in land use.

• Support farmers and landowners who manage land for wildlife.
• Buy from conservation-friendly farms when possible.
• If you own land, consider leaving rough grass, wet patches, or meadow areas undisturbed.

Record your Curlew sightings

Citizen science is very powerful and the more we know about Curlew and where they are, the more effectively we can target conservation efforts.

• Log Curlew sightings using apps such as BirdTrack, iRecord, or via our website.
• In Mid Wales, many Curlew have been colour ringed. If you see a marked
  bird please report it to the Mid Wales Ringing Group
• Early-season sightings help conservationists locate breeding territories.

Spread awareness

Curlews might be one of our most iconic waders, but many people don’t realise how endangered they are.

• Share information with friends, schools, or community groups.
• Support campaigns calling for better protection of breeding habitats.

Past conservation work for Curlew 

In 2021-22 grants from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) funded research, a public appeal, a report and bought tracking equipment. In April and May 2022 Curlews were caught and tagged as part of our Montgomeryshire Curlew Project using colour rings and radio tags purchased the year before. This yielded some interesting data which is currently being analysed by an Aberystwyth University Masters student – so watch this space.

Despite our work, we still need help to save the Curlew - particularly with recording numbers in Montgomeryshire.

We also need funding to carry out fieldwork, co-ordinate records, protect nests, liaise with landowners and carry out habitat management. All donations gratefully received.

For more information about the Curlew, click here or to listen to the fascinating talk on this iconic species by local expert Mick Green below.