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Curlew standing, facing away from viewer

Photo: Damian Waters/drumimages.co.uk

Montgomeryshire Curlew Project

Curlew are in trouble! In Wales they are declining at about 6% per year, and at the current rate they may be extinct as a breeding species in Wales by 2030.

Montgomeryshire still holds a good number of breeding pairs and is designated an ‘Important Curlew Area’ within the Wales Action Plan for the Recovery of 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.

Curlew being held after being fitted with a radio tag

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.

Montgomeryshire Curlew talk Feb 2022 (https://youtu.be/bAmd6CgYMJ8)

Talk on Curlews, why they are declining, the work that is being done to help them and how you can help; delivered by Mick Green on 23rd February 2022.

Curlew walking

Photo: Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

Curlew, with another curlew in background

Photo: John Bridges

Curlew, Numenius arquata, in flight over moorland, Peak District National Park, UK, June - Ben Hall/2020VISION

Curlew, Numenius arquata, in flight over moorland, Peak District National Park, UK, June - Ben Hall/2020VISION

Brown wader with a long bill standing amongst grass

The iconic Curlew, already a threatened species, may be affected. Image: dp1616 from Pixabay.

Upland lake in August sunshine copyright Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust

Upland lake in August sunshine © MWT/Tammy Stretton

Help us by recording Curlew

 

  • All records are useful!
  • If you can cover your own area, walk all lanes and public footpaths.
  • Record any curlew seen on a map or with accurate grid reference.
  • Record the number of birds and their behaviour, such as calling
    alarming, flying over (in which direction) or sitting in field etc.
  • Talk to landowners if you can – ask for permissions.
  • There's a 'survey toolkit' available on www.curlewwales.org
  • Send all records to curlew@montwt.co.uk and if you'd like to volunteer
    to collate these records please get in touch via this address.

  • In Mid Wales, many Curlew have been colour ringed. If you see a marked
    bird please report it to: https://mid-walesrg.shinyapps.io/mwrg_sightings/