The Curlew Recovery Project is focused on action by a partnership of organisations working closely with farmers to increase the breeding success of our remaining Curlews, across a network of sites in the Upper Thames. Over the past three years (2021-2023) we helped develop a fantastic team of volunteers who were able to find 55 Curlew nests -protecting each of them with a temporary electric fence. 85% of these nests hatched successfully – this compares to about 25% of unprotected nests that hatched in detailed studies elsewhere. 36 young Curlew are known to have fledged in this period, the vast majority from protected nests. Donate here
The Curlew’s wonderful ‘bubbling’ call is one ofthe most evocative sounds of springtime in meadows and pastures acrossOxfordshire. Something we cherish, but which is sadly under threat. The Curlewis arguably the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK, wherenearly half the breeding population has been lost over the last 25 years andwhere range contraction has seen Curlews disappear from many traditional sites.
Watch our 'Curlew River' film whichexplores the work offarmers and volunteers to help our wonderful Curlews as well as highlightingthe fabulous ancient meadows and wet grassland habitats that they inhabit inour area.
If you would like to support our work, you can donate to the curlew project here
• Changes to the management of their grassland breeding sites such as earlier hay or silage cuts, greater use of fertilisers and faster growing grasses.
• An increase in the numbers of generalist predators, including Foxes, Badgers, and avian predators.
• Increased human disturbance, including from dogs.
• Developments including new housing and infrastructure.
• Increasing frequency of spring floods.
Wild Oxfordshire is collaborating with the Curlew Recovery Partnership on what is called the ‘Curlew Solutions Trial.’ This initiative aims to improve our understanding of curlew breeding in grasslands and to provide evidence of the effectiveness of conservation efforts to policy makers. Spread across 5 sites in England –Yorkshire Dales, Shropshire Hills, Breckland, Severn and Avon Vales and the Upper Thames - the project includes consultation with stakeholders through workshops, a review of the potential impact of conservation efforts on Curlew populations and novel research to assess what influences breeding success across project landscapes.
Wild Oxfordshire continues to provide vital support including volunteer training, communications and organising the supply of fencing kits. We also link into national working groups, including the well-established Curlew Forum and Curlew Recovery Partnership.
We also support the Upper Thames Wader Group; this partnership currently comprises RSPB, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Environment Agency, River Thame Conservation Trust, Freshwater Habitats Trust, British Trust for Ornithology and Banbury Ornithological Society. Partners meet on a regular basis to co-ordinate work, develop new initiatives and share best practice.
This project would not be possible without the generous support of Natural England and the dedication of dozens of Curlew Recovery volunteers, farmers, and supporters. Thank you.
