Eurasian Curlew are one of the most iconic birds of the Welsh Countryside. Many who grew up in the 1960s and 70s will remember them for their long bills and distinctive bubbling call. Unfortunately, sightings of curlew in Wales are now extremely rare and are likely to become even more so as the population continues to decline at a rate of 6 per cent every year.

Eurasian Curlew are one of the most iconic birds of the Welsh Countryside. Many who grew up in the 1960s and 70s will remember them for their long bills and distinctive bubbling call. Unfortunately, sightings of curlew in Wales are now extremely rare and are likely to become even more so as the population continues to decline at a rate of 6 per cent every year.

There are a range of reasons for this decline, including but not limited to: habitat fragmentation, lack of food availability, and excessive predation. If nothing is done to help these birds, they are predicted to be extinct as a breeding population in Wales by 2033.

This may sound bleak but not all hope is lost. Curlew Connections Wales (CCW) is working tirelessly to tackle the key issues driving curlew population decline. The project is a collaboration between the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Wales, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.