Welsh Curlews need your help!

The Curlew is one of Britain’s most iconic bird species. Its distinct and evocative song is a familiar sound; a harbinger of spring that is deeply ingrained within our culture.

Sadly, the Curlew is under severe threat, facing an uncertain future throughout Wales and is fast becoming rare.

Evidence suggests that since the 1990’s, Wales has lost over 80% of its breeding Curlew population. Today, there may be as few as 400 breeding pairs left in Wales and is now considered to be the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK. It is ‘Red Listed’ on both the Welsh and UK Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC).

With the current rate of decline it is thought that, without intervention, breeding Curlews could be lost from the Welsh landscape within fifteen years. We need to act now to stop them edging towards extinction.

How can you help?

It is vital to determine where Curlews are present. We need as many records as possible to tell us where curlews are during the breeding season (between April and June). If you encounter any curlews – or have seen or heard any over the last few months whilst out and about, please let us know.

If you are keen to know more, please email Vicky Knight from the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB at vicky.knight@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 01824 712729.