Once a common sight, Curlews were found breeding across Britain – in meadows, marshes and arable fields. Sadly, loss of habitat has meant that their breeding range has contracted and the UK’s breeding curlew population has halved in the last 25 years.
According to the charity, Curlew Action, the widespread changes to the UK’s countryside have seen their numbers dramatically decline, especially over the last 40 years. In Southern Ireland, Curlews have decreased by over 90%, in Wales by over 80% and on average we have lost 60% throughout England and Scotland since the 1980s. The decline has also been recorded in other countries, with estimates by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature reporting a 20-30% reduction in curlew breeding numbers in the past 15 years. Considered vulnerable, curlews are now on the European red list as “near threatened” – meaning that the species face a high risk of extinction.
The UK plays an important role in shaping curlew conservation, as we support important breeding and overwintering populations. Reportedly, a fifth of the world’s curlew in winter, and around a quarter of the world’s breeding pairs in spring and summer, the UK has a substantial impact on for the future of the species.
A dedicated bird enthusiast, Matthew Trevelyan aimed to shine a spotlight on this distinguished bird by trekking an impressive 53 miles in an enormous curlew costume. Made from bamboo, muslin and polystyrene, the artisitic costume spanned three metres – from beak tip to tail. Trevelyan spent three days creating the costume and nicknamed his creation “Cathy.”
Inspired by the conservationist and author, Mary Colwell, who walked 500 miles across the British Isles in 2016 to raise awareness about the curlew’s demise. Colwell formed Curlew Action to protect curlews from extinction, and established World Curlew Day – held annually on the 21st of April. Trevelyan’s walked was timed to coincide with World Curlew Day.
Trevelyan works for Nidderdale National Landscape, where he supports farmers and landowners who live within the national landscape. Donations to help fund projects working to reverse the decline of the curlew can be made via Curlew Action, or Nidderdale National Landscape.
We salute you Matthew. Thank you.
