Curlew Conservation Sees Signs of Progress in Denbighshire

 

A collaborative conservation project aimed at protecting one of Wales’ most threatened bird species has brought small but significant signs of progress this season.

For the past two years, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscapes has been part of “Curlew Connections Wales,” a Curlew Recovery Wales partnership project working alongside Bannau Brycheiniog and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). This initiative forms part of the wider Gylfinir Cymru programme, an all-Wales partnership dedicated to supporting breeding Curlew populations across the country, including in Denbighshire.

Curlews are currently ‘Red Listed’ on both the Welsh and UK Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC), reflecting their severe decline. Since the 1990s, Wales has seen an estimated 80% drop in its breeding Curlew population, largely due to habitat loss, disturbance during nesting, and predation.

In response, targeted conservation efforts have been underway across Important Curlew Area 5 (ICA5), which spans large parts of Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham. This work is supported by Welsh Government funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This season, the project team welcomed a modest but meaningful success: six Curlew chicks successfully fledged in the Denbighshire area, a significant improvement on the previous year.

Local Curlew and People Officer Sam Kenyon, who has led the project for the past two seasons, recognised the practical support that made the season’s success possible

“We recorded approximately 38 breeding pairs this year and were able to install electric fencing around more than 10 nests to reduce the risk of predation, with further protection measures in place around a total of 21 pairs. Thanks to the combined efforts of farmers, volunteers, and a professional protective team, six chicks made it to fledging, a real boost for our local Curlew population.”

Sam highlighted the vital role of landowners: “It’s been genuinely inspiring to see farmers actively support nesting Curlews on their land. Some went above and beyond to help us locate and protect nests. Their knowledge and willingness to adapt their management temporarily around the birds made a huge difference.”

While the season wasn’t without setbacks, including some eggs which failed to hatched, the project remains focused on learning and improving. A small core of dedicated volunteers were instrumental in monitoring bird behaviour, and their contributions were deeply valued.

To support participating farmers who were able to join the curlew recovery efforts, the project also provided a modest stewardship fund for any delays in nutrient access and harvest due to nest protection measures, funded by the Welsh Government.

Sam added:“This season’s outcome shows what’s possible when we work together. It’s not a dramatic turnaround, but it’s a step in the right direction and a sign that with continued support, we can give this iconic species a fighting chance.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Denbighshire’s Biodiversity Champion, echoed this sentiment: “The Curlew was once a familiar sight across North Wales and the UK. Seeing six fledglings this year is a testament to the commitment and hard work of everyone involved. We’re proud to support this vital project and hopeful for what future seasons may bring.”